Leveraging ChatGPT to Reduce Cognitive Load in Second Language Writing

Writing is a cognitively demanding process that requires learners to generate ideas, organise content, apply language knowledge and revise their work. The emergence of ChatGPT has provided learners with additional support that may help reduce cognitive load during writing. Therefore, this quantitative survey explored learners’ perceptions of using ChatGPT to reduce cognitive load in writing and examined its relationship with writing strategies. A total of 171 university students participated in a survey consisting of two sections on writing strategies and ChatGPT. The findings revealed positive perceptions towards ChatGPT and writing strategies, with significant positive relationships found between ChatGPT and all writing strategy dimensions. The study suggests that ChatGPT can serve as a supportive tool that complements learners’ writing strategies and facilitates the writing process.

academic writing, ChatGPT, cognitive load, writing strategies, writing process

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