Authors: Roaa S Bogdadi , Nahid A Qushmaq , Marivel M De Guzman , Rahaf Al Hasheem , Wijdan A. Baeshen , Sarah M. Aljuaid

Abstract

Background: The increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in scientific research has raised important questions about how researchers’ beliefs are shaped by cognitive and institutional factors. While previous studies have focused on technological capabilities and ethical concerns, limited attention has been given to how everyday awareness of AI and perceived organizational support influence acceptance of AI in research.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,379 researchers to assess their beliefs regarding AI’s contribution to scientific research, awareness of AI in daily and research contexts, and perceived institutional support. A decision tree classification model was developed to predict belief categories (“Yes,” “Probably,” or “No”) based on these variables.

Results: The model achieved an overall accuracy of 80.07%, with the highest predictive performance in the “Yes” category. Daily AI awareness emerged as the most influential predictor, followed by perceived organizational support and awareness of AI in research settings. The decision-tree structure provided clear and interpretable insights into how these variables interact to shape researchers’ beliefs.

Conclusion: Researchers’ acceptance of AI in scientific research is primarily driven by personal familiarity with AI and the level of institutional support. These findings emphasize the importance of enhancing both practical exposure to AI and supportive organizational environments to promote responsible and effective AI adoption in research.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence, data science applications in education, research perception, institutional support, interdisciplinary projects.