ISSN 1671-3710
CN 11-4766/R
主办:中国科学院心理研究所
出版:科学出版社

Advances in Psychological Science ›› 2026, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (10): 1779-1794.doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1042.2026.1779

• Meta-Analysis • Previous Articles     Next Articles

A Bayesian meta-analysis of the association between AI literacy and self-efficacy

WAN Qianyi1,2(), WEN Siqing1, MA Zaoming1,3(), HU Bo1   

  1. 1 University International College, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
    2 Office of the CPC Committee and President’s Office, Sichuan University of Arts and Science, Dazhou 635000, China
    3 Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Textbook Integrated Research Base, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
  • Received:2025-12-02 Online:2026-10-15 Published:2026-07-20
  • Contact: WAN Qianyi, MA Zaoming E-mail:wqy979@sasu.edu.cn;mazaoming@m.scnu.edu.cn

Abstract:

To systematically synthesize evidence on the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) literacy and self-efficacy among university students and identify sources of heterogeneity, this study included 36 independent studies (N = 25, 251) and conducted a meta-analysis using a Bayesian random-effects model, followed by moderator analyses. The results showed a robust positive association between AI literacy and university students’ self-efficacy (Bayesian r = 0.495, 95% CrI [0.420, 0.570]). Moderator analyses indicated that effect sizes varied significantly by self-efficacy type, AI literacy measurement approach, and academic discipline. Specifically, the association between AI literacy and both creative self-efficacy and entrepreneurial self-efficacy was stronger than its association with AI self-efficacy and general academic self-efficacy. Effect sizes were larger in studies using self-developed or integrated self-report measures than in those using direct AI literacy scales, proxy indicators, or objective assessments. In addition, the association was relatively stronger for students in education, media, and language disciplines than those in engineering, computer science, and business and management majors. These findings suggest that AI literacy is positively associated with university students’ self-efficacy, but the strength of this relationship depends on measurement approach, self-efficacy type, and disciplinary context. The findings further imply that AI literacy may function not only as a technical competence but also as a psychological resource linked to higher-order efficacy beliefs, which provide implications for differentiated AI literacy education in higher education.

Key words: AI literacy, self-efficacy, university students, Bayesian meta-analysis, international comparison, generative AI

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