How Do Autonomy, Critical Thinking, and Artificial Intelligence Value Perception Affect University Student Self-regulated Learning?

Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed the learning process, offering new opportunities and challenges for self-regulated learning (SRL). While autonomy during the SRL process can be satisfied by external support, such as AI and teachers’ guidance, critical thinking is a crucial internal prerequisite skill for SRL with AI. However, the impact of students’ perception of AI on their SRL remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the mediating effects of students’ perception of AI on the relationship between students’ autonomy, critical thinking, and SRL by involving 333 university students. The findings indicate that students’ perceived autonomy and critical thinking have direct effects on their SRL with AI, whereas value-based perceptions of AI, especially ethics and social good, serve as key mediating mechanisms in these relationships. However, the positive attitude toward AI did not serve as a mediator. These findings suggest that SRL with AI requires strong critical thinking and autonomy support, and that value perceptions related to ethics and social good may more effectively engage this process.