University Exams Taken by Fake AI Students Beat Real Students

In a groundbreaking study, University of Reading researchers discovered that artificial intelligence could outperform real students in university exams. The study involved creating 33 fictitious students and using the AI tool ChatGPT to generate answers for undergraduate psychology degree module exams.

The AI-generated answers scored, on average, half a grade boundary higher than those of actual students. Remarkably, 94% of the AI essays did not raise concerns among markers, suggesting a detection rate of just 6%, which the researchers believe might be an overestimate. The study, published in the journal Plos One, underscores the potential for AI to be used undetected in academic settings, leading to higher grades for those who might choose to cheat.

"This is particularly worrying as AI submissions robustly gained higher grades than real student submissions," the study noted. "Thus, students could cheat undetected using AI - and in doing so, attain a better grade than those who did not cheat."

Associate Prof Peter Scarfe and Prof Etienne Roesch, who led the study, emphasized that their findings should serve as a "wake-up call" for educators globally. Dr. Scarfe highlighted the international importance of understanding AI's impact on educational assessments. He acknowledged that while a complete return to handwritten exams is unlikely, the global education sector must adapt to the challenges posed by AI.

In the study, fake exam answers and essays were submitted for first-, second-, and third-year modules without the knowledge of the markers. The AI-generated scores surpassed those of the real undergraduates in the first two years, but human students outperformed AI in third-year exams, aligning with the researchers' notion that current AI struggles with more abstract reasoning.

This study represents the largest and most robust blind study of its kind to date. The findings add to growing concerns about AI's influence in education. For instance, Glasgow University recently reintroduced in-person exams for one course in response to similar issues. Moreover, a Guardian report earlier this year revealed that while most undergraduates use AI programs to aid their essays, only 5% admitted to submitting unedited AI-generated text.

As AI technology continues to evolve, educators and institutions worldwide will need to find new ways to ensure the integrity of academic assessments.

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