Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence among Philippine Undergraduate Students: Examining Instrument Construct and Demographic Influences on Knowledge and Beliefs

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is ubiquitous, yet the perceptions of Filipino undergraduate students (UGS) remain limited. Using an explanatory sequential mixed methods design, we surveyed 537 UGS to examine their knowledge and beliefs about AI in higher education. An adapted instrument was first validated through exploratory factor analysis, revealing a three-factor structure: perceived threat to human autonomy and employment, perceived academic and economic utility, and perceived negative consequences and risks. Students reported moderate self-rated knowledge (M = 6.51, SD = 2.18). Beliefs were largely neutral to positive, with no significant demographic differences. However, knowledge varied significantly: males scored higher than females (U = 30,244, p =.01), students aged 21–25 outperformed those under 20 (H(2) = 13.85, p