GenAI dependence
Definition
In the AIED case study, GenAI dependence names an engagement pattern involving acceptance of incorrect chatbot output without critical evaluation visible in the interaction.
Explanation
The concern is an observable action: a student receives an incorrect answer and uses it without challenging its reasoning in the available record. That gives an instructor something specific to examine and potentially address.
It would be too strong to infer a stable personal trait from one conversation. A student may behave differently across tasks, time pressures, or kinds of help. A chat log also cannot show reasoning that happened outside it.
The AIED study reported this pattern alongside cognitive scaffolding in a sample of eight students. It motivates questions about instruction, but it does not establish a diagnosis or a general measure of dependence.
Scope and evidence
Use this term for the engagement pattern in the study. Cognitive outsourcing, automation bias, and dependence are related ideas with different meanings; they are not interchangeable labels.