The Illusion of Understanding: How Middle-Schoolers Fail to Regulate Inquiry with ChatGPT in a Science Task

2026

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AI-generated summary

This study reveals that middle schoolers struggle to effectively use ChatGPT for science inquiry, often exhibiting an "illusion of understanding" due to over-reliance and a lack of metacognitive regulation.

* Examines how middle school students (ages 14-15) interact with ChatGPT for science tasks.
* Investigates students' ability to initiate effective inquiries, evaluate AI responses, and regulate their learning strategies.
* Finds that students over-rely on AI, struggle to critically assess information, and prematurely end inquiry cycles, impacting learning outcomes.

Tags: AI literacy, metacognition, generative AI, education, inquiry-based learning

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