OpenAI Study Shows ChatGPT Improves Student Work Quality
A study by OpenAI and Bocconi University found that access to ChatGPT and critical-thinking training improved student work in distinct ways, with combined use showing the most benefits.
In a randomized experiment involving over 1,000 first-year undergraduate students at Bocconi University, OpenAI and Bocconi University researchers explored the impact of ChatGPT and critical-thinking training on student work quality. The study, published on August 27, 2026, found that access to ChatGPT significantly improved the quality and coherence of students' work, while critical-thinking training encouraged the generation of more unique ideas.
During the experiment, students worked on a real-world business case, developing marketing recommendations for the university’s merchandise store. The work was evaluated by trained human graders using a five-point rubric and automated text analysis. Students with access to ChatGPT scored almost a full point higher on the rubric, with their answers including more ideas, clearer logic, and greater similarity to expert recommendations.
Critical-thinking training, on the other hand, led to more original ideas and questioning of assumptions, though it did not significantly improve scores on the grading rubric. Students who received both ChatGPT access and critical-thinking training showed the most comprehensive gains, combining the benefits of both approaches.
The study highlights the importance of a holistic approach in assessing student progress as AI tools become more prevalent. As AI makes it easier for students to produce polished answers, assignments may need to adapt to measure qualities such as originality and critical thinking.
This research contributes to a growing body of work on the impact of AI on student learning and suggests that a combination of AI tools and critical-thinking training can enhance educational outcomes.
Source: openai
