The RUT Factor: Analysing Changes in Student Readiness to Undertake Tasks with Generative AI as a Moderator

Abstract

This study investigates the moderating role of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) on student academic readiness, operationalised by the RUT Factor Model (Readiness to Undertake Tasks) - a triadic construct comprising of emotional, cognitive and behavioural readiness. A quasi-experimental interventional design was utilised with 100 undergraduate psychology students, who were divided via Randomised Controlled Trials (RCT) into a control group and an AI-assisted test group. Both groups had to complete an academic task, with the AI-assisted group given access to a structured prompt guide for ChatGPT, while the control group resorted to traditional study methods. Paired samples t-tests showed significant improvements in cognitive and behavioural readiness in the test group, echoed by similarities in the independent samples t-test. Multiple regression analyses showed the AI-intervention to be a significant predictor of cognitive and behavioural readiness, but not emotional readiness. The findings suggest that structured use of GAI enhances task-preparedness without inducing emotional regulation. Future research owing to related limitations are also discussed.