Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies (JSSHRS) · Research article · Open access
Exploring the Influence of AI Tools on Critical Thinking Development in English Major Undergraduates
Yanhui Chen, Luoyi Wang
17 October 2026 · Vol. 2, Issue 10, pp. 1857-1865
DOI: 10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E10/2026-07 (registration with Crossref in progress)
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What is this article about?
Generative AI tools are increasingly embedded in higher education, where English majors are frequent users. Although they reduce cognitive load and boost efficiency, over-reliance may weaken independent thinking and logical reasoning, both core to critical thinking.
Article at a glance
- Published
- 17 October 2026
- Volume / issue / pages
- Vol. 2, Issue 10, pp. 1857-1865
- ISSN
- 3051-3561 (online) · 3051-3553 (print)
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0 — free to read and reuse with attribution
- Peer review
- Double-blind, at least two independent reviewers
- Publisher
- EP Journals Group
Abstract
Generative AI tools are increasingly embedded in higher education, where English majors are frequent users. Although they reduce cognitive load and boost efficiency, over-reliance may weaken independent thinking and logical reasoning, both core to critical thinking. This study examines how AI use influences critical thinking among undergraduate English majors at a university in Shanghai, focusing on usage frequency and question types. A mixed-methods design combines a questionnaire with semi-structured interviews. Questionnaire data are analyzed in SPSS using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression; interviews capture perceived cognitive effects. The findings identify how frequency and question types relate to different dimensions of critical thinking, revealing both facilitating and constraining effects. Theoretically, the study extends research on AI in humanities education; practically, it informs strategic AI integration and critical thinking cultivation in English language teaching and digital transformation.
Keywords: generative AI, AI tool use, critical thinking, English majors, mixed-methods research
Cite this article
Yanhui Chen, & Luoyi Wang (2026). Exploring the Influence of AI Tools on Critical Thinking Development in English Major Undergraduates. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 2(10), 1857-1865. https://www.ep-journals.org/articles/exploring-the-influence-of-ai-tools-on-critical-thinking-development-e4155a7c
@article{Yanhui2026,
title = {Exploring the Influence of AI Tools on Critical Thinking Development in English Major Undergraduates},
author = {Yanhui Chen and Luoyi Wang},
journal = {Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies},
year = {2026},
volume = {2},
number = {10},
pages = {1857-1865},
url = {https://www.ep-journals.org/articles/exploring-the-influence-of-ai-tools-on-critical-thinking-development-e4155a7c}
}Questions about this article
Who wrote this article?
Yanhui Chen, Luoyi Wang.
Where and when was it published?
In Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, Volume 2, Issue 10, pages 1857-1865, published by EP Journals Group on 17 October 2026.
Is this article free to read?
Yes. It is open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) licence, so anyone can read, share and reuse it with attribution.
What is the DOI of this article?
10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E10/2026-07. Registration with Crossref is in progress.
How do I cite this article?
APA: Yanhui Chen, & Luoyi Wang (2026). Exploring the Influence of AI Tools on Critical Thinking Development in English Major Undergraduates. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 2(10), 1857-1865. https://www.ep-journals.org/articles/exploring-the-influence-of-ai-tools-on-critical-thinking-development-e4155a7c
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