Initial Validation of the IMPACT Model: Technological Appropriation of ChatGPT by University Faculty

Abstract

This study presents the initial validation of the IMPACT model, a psychometric tool developed to evaluate how university faculty adopt ChatGPT in higher education. It specifically addresses the existing gap in validated instruments designed for educators, as most prior research has focused on student-based adoption models. A total of 206 professors completed a 39-item Likert-scale questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis using principal axis factoring with oblimin rotation identified the underlying structure of the instrument. Reliability and internal consistency were examined through Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega. The analysis revealed a five-factor structure comprising functional appropriation, ethical and academic concerns, cost and accessibility, facilitating conditions, and perceived reliability and trustworthiness. Intention to use and performance expectancy merged into a single factor, and social influence did not emerge as a determinant. The model demonstrated strong reliability and internal consistency across all dimensions. The IMPACT model offers a validated framework for understanding faculty adoption of ChatGPT, emphasizing functional, ethical, and infrastructural factors over social influence. These findings provide a foundation for confirmatory analyses and contribute to advancing theoretical and practical insights into AI integration in higher education teaching.