Abstrak
This study aims to explore how students at UIN Bukittinggi utilize ChatGPT in the process of writing their thesis proposals, focusing on the strategies, benefits, and challenges they encounter. Thesis proposal writing is a complex and critical academic task that requires careful planning, methodological clarity, and adherence to academic standards. Students often face difficulties in selecting appropriate topics, developing research concepts, formulating methodology, and avoiding plagiarism. With the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT, students now have access to on-demand assistance, prompting questions about how such technology is integrated into various stages of proposal writing and to what extent it supports or hinders academic integrity and learning. The research employed a qualitative approach, using in-depth interviews and document analysis as primary data collection methods. Ten thesis proposals were analyzed to identify patterns of ChatGPT usage across different sections, particularly in Chapters I, II, and III. Structured interviews were conducted with students to gain insights into their experiences, strategies, and perceptions regarding ChatGPT’s role in planning, drafting, revising, and editing their proposals. Methodological triangulation was applied by combining observational data from document analysis with interview responses to ensure credibility and depth of understanding. The findings reveal varied patterns of ChatGPT utilization, with significant reliance observed in specific sections such as "Type of Research" and "Instrument and Technique of Data Collection," while other sections like "Setting of Research" and "Variables of Research" showed minimal or no AI involvement. Students used ChatGPT as a conceptual guide, especially in structuring literature reviews, clarifying methodological concepts, and generating writing templates. It also served as a reflective tool during revision, helping align research questions with methodology. However, challenges remain regarding over-reliance, accuracy of generated content, and ethical concerns about academic integrity. Overall, ChatGPT functions not only as a writing aid but also as a thinking partner, though its effectiveness depends on the student’s critical engagement and advisor guidance.