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Exploring Social Sciences and Humanities Student Perspectives on AI in Higher Education: A Comprehensive Study of Usage, Ethics, and Future Intentions

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Title: Exploring Social Sciences and Humanities Student Perspectives on AI in Higher Education: A Comprehensive Study of Usage, Ethics, and Future Intentions
Language: English
Authors: Ahmed Shehata, Naifa Bint Eid Bait Bin Saleem, Faten Hamad
Source: Online Learning. 2026 30(1):478-506.
Availability: Online Learning Consortium, Inc. P.O. Box 1238, Newburyport, MA 01950. Tel: 888-898-6209; Fax: 888-898-6209; e-mail: olj@onlinelearning-c.org; Web site: https://olj.onlinelearningconsortium.org/index.php/olj/index
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 29
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Artificial Intelligence, Higher Education, Social Sciences, Humanities, Student Attitudes, Technology Uses in Education, Foreign Countries, Intention, Ethics, Privacy, Information Security, Barriers, Equal Education, Educational Improvement, Student Behavior, College Students, Universities
Geographic Terms: Oman
ISSN: 2472-5749
2472-5730
Abstract: This study investigates social science students' perceptions, attitudes, and behavioral intentions toward artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education at Sultan Qaboos University. Drawing on the Theory of Reasoned Action, the research examines factors influencing AI adoption among students, including usage patterns, awareness levels, privacy concerns, and academic integrity considerations. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 255 students across various social science departments. The study employed regression analysis to test two models: factors influencing attitudes toward AI and determinants of behavioral intentions to use AI. Results reveal that AI tool usage (β = 0.423, p < 0.001) and awareness (β = 0.198, p = 0.001) significantly predict positive attitudes toward AI. Contrary to previous research, privacy concerns positively correlated with favorable AI attitudes (β = 0.170, p = 0.011). Students strongly support AI integration in education for improving efficiency (mean = 3.90) and work quality (mean = 3.67), while expressing the need for clear regulatory frameworks (mean = 3.78). The findings highlight a gap between AI usage and comprehensive understanding, suggesting the need for structured AI literacy programs. The study contributes to understanding AI adoption in higher education and provides recommendations for policy development that balances technological innovation with academic integrity and ethical considerations.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1508146
Database: ERIC
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  Data: Exploring Social Sciences and Humanities Student Perspectives on AI in Higher Education: A Comprehensive Study of Usage, Ethics, and Future Intentions
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  Data: Online Learning Consortium, Inc. P.O. Box 1238, Newburyport, MA 01950. Tel: 888-898-6209; Fax: 888-898-6209; e-mail: olj@onlinelearning-c.org; Web site: https://olj.onlinelearningconsortium.org/index.php/olj/index
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  Data: This study investigates social science students&#39; perceptions, attitudes, and behavioral intentions toward artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education at Sultan Qaboos University. Drawing on the Theory of Reasoned Action, the research examines factors influencing AI adoption among students, including usage patterns, awareness levels, privacy concerns, and academic integrity considerations. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 255 students across various social science departments. The study employed regression analysis to test two models: factors influencing attitudes toward AI and determinants of behavioral intentions to use AI. Results reveal that AI tool usage (β = 0.423, p &lt; 0.001) and awareness (β = 0.198, p = 0.001) significantly predict positive attitudes toward AI. Contrary to previous research, privacy concerns positively correlated with favorable AI attitudes (β = 0.170, p = 0.011). Students strongly support AI integration in education for improving efficiency (mean = 3.90) and work quality (mean = 3.67), while expressing the need for clear regulatory frameworks (mean = 3.78). The findings highlight a gap between AI usage and comprehensive understanding, suggesting the need for structured AI literacy programs. The study contributes to understanding AI adoption in higher education and provides recommendations for policy development that balances technological innovation with academic integrity and ethical considerations.
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    Languages:
      – Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 29
        StartPage: 478
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Artificial Intelligence
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Higher Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Social Sciences
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Humanities
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      – SubjectFull: Student Attitudes
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Technology Uses in Education
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      – SubjectFull: Foreign Countries
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      – SubjectFull: Ethics
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      – SubjectFull: Privacy
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      – SubjectFull: Oman
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      – TitleFull: Exploring Social Sciences and Humanities Student Perspectives on AI in Higher Education: A Comprehensive Study of Usage, Ethics, and Future Intentions
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