General Information
The purpose of this research project is to explore how Chinese postgraduate students in the UK use artificial intelligence (AI) language tools—such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, and DeepL—to support their academic and social communication in English-speaking environments. The study aims to investigate the motivations behind this usage, the emotional and educational impacts, and any potential over-reliance on these tools. This research contributes to a broader understanding of second language anxiety, intercultural communication, and the evolving role of AI in higher education.
Thank you for participating in this online survey. Please read through the information below before agreeing to participate (if you wish to) by ticking the ‘yes’ box at the bottom.
You may ask any questions before deciding to take part by contacting the researcher (details below).
The Principal Researcher is Yixuan Wang, who is an MA student of Intercultural Communication and International Business at the University of Exeter. This project is being completed under the supervision of Dr Lucie Riou
You will be asked to answer a mix of multiple-choice, Likert scale, and short-answer questions. It will cover themes such as adjustment to UK life, language use, feelings of belonging, and sources of support. The survey is expected to take 10–15 minutes to complete. Your responses will be anonymised and used solely for academic research as part of the researcher's master's thesis. Only the researcher and their supervisor will have access to the full dataset. The module convenor and the dissertation marker may also request access to the data.
Do I have to take part?
No. Your participation is entirely voluntary. If you do decide to take part, you may withdraw at any point before submitting your responses by clicking the ‘Exit’ button or simply closing your browser window. There are no consequences for choosing not to participate or for withdrawing partway through the survey.
How will my data be used?
We will not collect any data that could directly identify you. The survey is completely anonymous and does not request names, contact details, or any personally identifiable information.
Your IP address will not be stored. We will take all reasonable measures to ensure that your data remains confidential.
The responses you provide will be stored in a password protected Onedrive and used only for the researcher's Masters thesis at the University of Exeter. Research data will be deleted aftercompletion of the MA degree.
Who will have access to my data?
This survey is hosted on Wenjuanxing (問卷星), which collects responses anonymously. Wenjuanxing is the data controller and will not collect any personally identifiable information, such as your name or IP address. Please refer to their privacy notice here: http://www.partypopdesigns.com
The de-identified data will only be accessible to the researcher and their academic supervisor at the University of Exeter. It will be used solely for the purpose of completing a Masters dissertation in Intercultural Communication and International Business.
The data will not be shared with other researchers or used in future studies.
Who has reviewed this study?
This project has been granted a favourable ethics review by Prof Susana Afonso, co-Director of the MA in Intercultural Communication and interim ethics officer for Languages, Cultures and Visual Studies.
Who do I contact if I have a concern or I wish to complain?
If you have a concern about any aspect of this study, please speak to Yixuan Wangyw887@exeter.ac.uk or their supervisor Riou, Luciel.a.o.riou@exeter.ac.uk , and we will do our best to answer your query. We will acknowledge your concern within 10 working days and give you an indication of how it will be dealt with. If you remain unhappy or wish to make a formal complaint, please contact the Chairs of the FHASS REC who will seek to resolve the matter as soon as possible by emailingfhass-ethics@exeter.ac.uk, or alternatively the University of Exeter Research Ethics & Governance Office cgr-reg@exeter.ac.uk
Please note that you may only participate in this survey if you are 18 years of age or over.
? I certify that I am 18 years of age or over
If you have read the information above and agree to participate with the understanding that the data you submit will be processed accordingly, please check the relevant box below to get started.
? Yes, I agree to take part
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[Optional debrief section after survey has been completed for further information if needed]
Thank you for participating in this study!