Validation of the GenAI Usage Scale (GAIUS) and the role of demographics in academic dishonesty in higher education

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Innovations in Education and Teaching International

Publication Date

12-15-2025

Abstract

This study introduces and validates the GenAI Usage Scale (GAUS) to explore the link between students’ use of Generative AI (GenAI) and academic dishonesty in higher education. Based on data from 186 undergraduate students at a public university in the UAE, the study identified three key dimensions of GenAI usage: Perceived Educational Value, Current Usage Patterns, and Perceived Utility. The scale showed strong reliability and model fit. Perceived Utility emerged as the strongest predictor of academic dishonesty, while frequent GenAI users were less likely to misuse AI. High-achieving students avoided submitting fully AI-generated work but were more likely to omit acknowledging AI use. Gender and age had little effect on dishonesty behaviours. These findings highlight the need for institutional policies that regulate GenAI use based on usage patterns rather than strict bans, ensuring ethical AI use while maintaining academic integrity.

ISSN

1470-3297

Publisher

Informa UK Limited

Disciplines

Education

Keywords

academic dishonesty, GenAI, General artificial intelligence, higher education, scale development, UAE

Scopus ID

105024813919

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS