Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence among Philippine Undergraduate Students: Examining Instrument Construct and Demographic Influences on Knowledge and Beliefs

Research on Artificial Intelligence (AI) is ubiquitous, yet the perceptions of undergraduate students (UGS) in the Philippines regarding AI remain underexplored. We surveyed 537 UGS to evaluate their knowledge and beliefs about AI, aiming to inform policy guidelines in higher education institutions (HEIs). Prior to the survey, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted to establish the construct validity of an adapted instrument, revealing three factors: (1) perceived threat to human autonomy and employment, (2) perceived academic and economic utility, and (3) perceived negative consequences. Findings indicated that UGS generally possess a moderate level of self-reported knowledge about AI. Their beliefs were varied, showing a tendency towards neutrality regarding factor 1, agreement on factor 2, and apprehension towards factor 3. Demographic factors did not significantly influence these beliefs. However, gender, age group, program of study, and year level significantly affected their knowledge. The UGS also recognized the benefits of using AI, including learning assistance and interactive capabilities. Diminished interpersonal relationships and inaccurate information are among the drawbacks. Based on these findings, we urge policymakers in Philippine HIEs to develop informed guidelines on AI integration that address the identified concerns while leveraging its perceived benefits for ethical and responsible use of AI.