Using ChatGPT in higher education: enhancing research skills in students at a national university in Ica (Peru)

This research study assesses how the use of ChatGPT enhances the development of research skills in students at a national university in Ica, Peru. The methodology is applied, quasi-experimental, explanatory, and longitudinal. The sample consisted of 206 students, divided into an experimental group and a control group (103 students per group), who answer an online questionnaire. In the pretest, both groups show similar levels. In the posttest, the experimental group shows notable improvements, reducing the low level to 4.9% and increasing the medium (49.5%) and high (45.6%) levels, while the control group reduces the low level to 50.5%. The Mann-Whitney U test shows that there are no significant differences in the pretest (p = 0.792), but in the posttest the experimental group achieves a higher average range (134.35 vs. 72.65, p = 0.000). In conclusion, using ChatGPT strengthens research skills in university students.