Utilization of AI Research Assistant on Creativity and Efficiency in Science Investigatory Projects Among Science, Technology, and Engineering (STE) StudentsUtilization of AI Research Assistant on Creativity and Efficiency in Science Investigatory Project

Abstract

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly influenced educational practices, particularly in science-oriented programs where inquiry, innovation, and analytical thinking are essential. This study examined the relationship between the utilization of AI research assistants and the creativity and efficiency of Science, Technology, and Engineering (STE) students in developing their Science Investigatory Projects (SIPs). A quantitative descriptive–correlational research design was employed to analyze the extent of AI use and its association with students’ research performance. Data were gathered from STE students using a structured questionnaire that measured the utilization of AI tools in terms of quality, frequency of use, practicability, and instructional value, as well as students’ levels of creativity and efficiency in project development. The findings revealed that STE students demonstrated a generally frequent and positive utilization of AI research assistants across all measured dimensions. AI tools were perceived as accurate, coherent, and helpful in supporting research outputs. Students regularly used these tools to search for information, generate ideas, clarify concepts, and review academic content. AI research assistants were also considered accessible, convenient, and time-saving in organizing research tasks. In terms of instructional value, students acknowledged that AI facilitated understanding of concepts and enhanced research and writing skills; its contribution to higher-order thinking and independent learning was slightly less emphasized. Furthermore, the results indicated that students exhibited a very satisfactory level of creativity and efficiency in their Science Investigatory Projects. They demonstrated originality in research ideas, effective problem-solving, clear elaboration of concepts, and meaningful synthesis. In addition, students showed strong efficiency in time management, resource utilization, and productivity during project development. Correlational analysis revealed a moderate, statistically significant positive relationship between the utilization of AI research assistants and the level of creativity and efficiency in SIP development. Keywords: technological integration, inquiry-based learning, digital academic support, student research productivity