Factors Influencing the Acceptance of ChatGPT as an Autonomous English Learning Tool by University Students in Japan

This study aimed to verify the applicability of the modified Japanese version of the UTAUT2 for measuring students' acceptability of the ChatGPT as an autonomous tool for learning English and to identify predictors of different levels of acceptability of the ChatGPT as an autonomous tool for learning English. Participants were 175 Japanese university students. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), reliability analysis, and decision tree analysis were used as research methods. The results of the study indicated that the Japanese version of the UTAUT2 with a 5-factor structure was an appropriate instrument to use. In addition, the results indicated that the price value factor and the social influence factor were significant predictors. It was found that acceptance of ChatGPT is more likely to be higher among university students who have a higher degree of agreement with the price value of ChatGPT. In addition, if university students are more sensitive to social influences, those with lower agreement with the price value of ChatGPT are also likely to have higher acceptance of ChatGPT. This study provides valuable information about the acceptance of ChatGPT by Japanese students and helps to address future questions about the use of ChatGPT by university students.