Impact Of Primary and Secondary Appraisals on Intention to Use ChatGPT: Mediating Role of Attitude

Abstract Book of the 11th International Conference on Management, Economics and Finance

Year: 2026

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Impact Of Primary and Secondary Appraisals on Intention to Use ChatGPT: Mediating Role of Attitude

Prof Dr. Himanshu Joshi, Neena Sondhi

ABSTRACT:

Generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) tools such as ChatGPT have transformed how users search for and consume information. This study examines the drivers of intention to adopt ChatGPT in educational settings through the theoretical lens of appraisal theory. A conceptual model is proposed that distinguishes between primary appraisal (personalisation, perceived anthropomorphism, interactivity, perceived intelligence) and secondary appraisal (effort expectancy, performance expectancy and social influence) to explain affective evaluation in the form of attitude, which subsequently shapes behavioural intention. A total of 380 students enrolled in management programs were surveyed using a cross-sectional research design, and the data was analysed using PLS-SEM. The findings indicate that personalisation significantly enhances effort expectancy, whereas interactivity and perceived intelligence significantly influence performance expectancy. Performance expectancy and social influence significantly predict attitude, and both performance expectancy and effort expectancy influence behavioural intention. Attitude exerts a strong positive influence on behavioural intention. Further, mediation analysis shows that performance expectancy significantly transmits the joint effect of interactivity and perceived intelligence on intention through attitude, with attitude partially mediating the effect of performance expectancy on behavioural intention. The model explains 32 percent of the variance in attitude and 55 percent of the variance in behavioural intention. The findings contribute to the broader understanding of the factors influencing ChatGPT use in educational settings. The study also offers valuable insights into the theory and practice in the context of a broad Gen AI based system.

Keywords: Anthropomorphism; Appraisal Theory; Intelligence; Interactivity; Personalization