Task complexity and AI dependency among college students
The mediating roles of cognitive load, future anxiety, and task motivation
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15699798 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Hanhui Li (0000-0002-6863-6908, Fuzhou University), Fan Yang (0000-0003-2978-7102, Yango University, corresponding author), Jinpeng Liu (0000-0002-8607-5390, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 14 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Publication date | 2026-03-05 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | BMC Psychology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2050-7283 • E-ISSN: 2050-7283 |
| Publisher | BioMed Central (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1186/s40359-026-04204-2 |
| PMID | 41787504 |
| OpenAlex | W7133687747 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 82 |
This study advances a task-focused perspective on AI dependency by integrating Cognitive Load Theory and Self-Determination Theory and by specifying cognitive load, future anxiety, and task motivation as correlates linking task complexity with AI dependency. Practically, the results suggest actionable directions for course and assessment design (e.g., calibrating task complexity, scaffolding task decomposition and staged feedback, and supporting motivation and emotion management) to help students balance AI use with autonomous learning
Cognition · Cognitive complexity · Confirmatory factor analysis · Dependency (UML · Perspective (graphical · Structural equation modeling · Task (project management · Task Analysis · Cognitive Abilities and Testing · Education, Achievement, and Giftedness · Intelligent Tutoring Systems and Adaptive Learning
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| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |