•  
  •  
 

Author ORCID Identifier

Ngo Cong-Lem: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3299-477X

Abstract

The rapid spread of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in education has intensified concerns about its impact on learners’ critical thinking, underscoring the need for reliable instruments to assess how students engage critically with AI-generated content. This study adapted, developed, and initially validated the Generative AI–Critical Thinking (GenAI–CrT) scale, an eight-item short-form instrument designed to capture EFL learners’ critical thinking in AI-enhanced learning contexts. Data from 233 Vietnamese undergraduates and graduates underwent exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, supporting a theoretically grounded four-factor structure comprising analytical skills, logical reasoning, evidence evaluation, and open-mindedness. The scale demonstrated excellent model fit (χ²(14) = 23.49, p = .053; CFI = .990; TLI = .979; RMSEA = .054; SRMR = .023) and high internal consistency (α = .90). A regression model using a subsample (n = 189) explained approximately 7% of the variance in AI self-efficacy, suggesting that the four analytical dimensions of the GenAI–CrT function collectively, but not independently, in shaping learners’ confidence in using AI tools. Beyond psychometric validation, this study offers initial evidence that critical thinking operates as an integrated competence underpinning reflective and ethical engagement in AI-enhanced learning. The GenAI–CrT can further support teachers and curriculum designers in assessing and scaffolding learners’ analytical, evaluative, and open-minded interactions with AI-generated content.

First Page

1

Last Page

24

Ethics Approval

Yes

Declaration Statement

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no competing interests to disclose.

Funding statement

This research is funded by the Foundation for Science and Technology Development of Dalat University.

Ethics approval statement

As the researchers’ institution does not currently have a formal human research ethics committee, the study was conducted in accordance with established ethical principles and standard requirements for research involving human participants. All participants were informed about the study’s purpose, provided voluntary informed consent, and were assured of anonymity and confidentiality throughout the research process.

Data availability

Data available on reasonable request due to privacy/ethical restrictions.

Declaration of Generative AI and AI-assisted Technologies in the Writing Process

During the preparation of this work, the authors used OpenAI’s ChatGPT-5 to assist with language refinement and proofreading. After using this tool, the authors carefully reviewed and edited the content as needed and take full responsibility for the final version of the manuscript.

Author contributions

Conceptualization: CL; Methodology: CL, TT, NK, NQ; Investigation: CL, TT, NK, NQ; Formal analysis: CL; Data curation: TT, NK, NQ; Writing – original draft: CL; Writing – review & editing: CL, TT, NK, NQ.

Participant consent statement

Informed consent was obtained electronically from all participants before they proceeded to complete the instrument.

Acknowledgements

We would also like to sincerely thank all participants for their involvement in this study. Their willingness to contribute their time and perspectives was essential to the completion of this research.

Permission to reproduce materials from other sources

N/A

Clinical trial registration

N/A

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Download

Share

COinS