Investigating the Impact of Using Artificial Intelligence on Iranian EFL Learners'Vocabulary Development

This study investigates the impact of ChatGPT, an AI-driven language model, on vocabularydevelopment among Iranian EFL learners. Employing a quantitative quasi-experimental design, theresearch involved ۶۰ intermediate EFL learners aged between ۱۴ and ۱۷, all native Persian speakersfrom Shokouh Language Institute in Rafsanjan, Kerman. Participants were selected throughconvenience sampling and were divided into four groups consisting of two control groups (male andfemale) and two experimental groups (male and female), all of which were instructed by the sameexperienced instructor to ensure consistency. An Oxford Online Placement Test (OOPT) wasadministered to assure their homogeneity, while two developed vocabulary tests served as pre-test andpost-test to measure vocabulary development. The ChatGPT application was utilized to engage learnersthrough interactive vocabulary exercises, including fill-in-the-blank activities, matching definitions,sentence generation, and paraphrasing tasks. The data were analyzed via running ANCOVA todetermine the effects of ChatGPT on vocabulary acquisition. The results revealed ChatGPT’s significantpositive impact on EFL learners’ vocabulary development (F = ۳۵.۶۲, p < ۰.۰۰۱). Importantly, the studyfound no significant differences in vocabulary development between male and female learners,suggesting that AI tools can effectively support all learners. These findings highlight the potential ofintegrating AI-driven technologies in language education, emphasizing the need for educators andinstitutions to embrace innovative tools to enhance vocabulary development in an increasingly digitallanguage learning domain

Keywords:

Artificial intelligence , ChatGPT , EFL learners , language education , vocabularydevelopment