Exploring the Purposes and Uses of Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools in Academic Writing for Multicultural Students

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Exploring the Purposes and Uses of Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools in Academic Writing for Multicultural Students
Language: English
Authors: Ajrina Hysaj (ORCID 0000-0002-3367-4648), Bonnie Amelia Dean (ORCID 0000-0002-2057-9529), Mark Freeman (ORCID 0000-0002-5142-6007)
Source: Higher Education Research and Development. 2025 44(7):1686-1700.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 15
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Artificial Intelligence, Technology Uses in Education, Academic Language, Writing (Composition), Student Diversity, Undergraduate Students, Plagiarism, English (Second Language), Integrity, Ethics, Student Attitudes, Foreign Countries
Geographic Terms: United Arab Emirates
DOI: 10.1080/07294360.2025.2488862
ISSN: 0729-4360
1469-8366
Abstract: As generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) continues transforming various aspects of university study and work, students increasingly turn to GenAI tools to enhance their writing processes and outputs. This study explores the purposes and ways in which multicultural undergraduate students use GenAI tools, specifically focusing on plagiarism and academic writing perspectives. Through four focus groups with 24 undergraduate students for whom English is not a native language, data was gathered and analysed using a reflexive approach thematic analysis. Findings from this study highlight that students are aware of academic integrity and its ethical and moral aspects, especially plagiarism, yet have a variety of reasons justifying its use. Concerning academic writing, students articulate disengagement and a lack of individual representation, suggesting various motivations for turning to GenAI tools. The findings demonstrate a disconnect between attitudes towards plagiarism and the unethical use of GenAI tools for academic writing. The paper provides recommendations for further research in the field of paraphrasing tools with students' academic writing, aiming to promote a greater sense of identity, creativity, critical and analytical thinking, and personalisation.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1503582
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:As generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) continues transforming various aspects of university study and work, students increasingly turn to GenAI tools to enhance their writing processes and outputs. This study explores the purposes and ways in which multicultural undergraduate students use GenAI tools, specifically focusing on plagiarism and academic writing perspectives. Through four focus groups with 24 undergraduate students for whom English is not a native language, data was gathered and analysed using a reflexive approach thematic analysis. Findings from this study highlight that students are aware of academic integrity and its ethical and moral aspects, especially plagiarism, yet have a variety of reasons justifying its use. Concerning academic writing, students articulate disengagement and a lack of individual representation, suggesting various motivations for turning to GenAI tools. The findings demonstrate a disconnect between attitudes towards plagiarism and the unethical use of GenAI tools for academic writing. The paper provides recommendations for further research in the field of paraphrasing tools with students' academic writing, aiming to promote a greater sense of identity, creativity, critical and analytical thinking, and personalisation.
ISSN:0729-4360
1469-8366
DOI:10.1080/07294360.2025.2488862