A comparative analysis of human and GenAI-generated feedback on EFL students' argumentative writing performance

Yıldız M., Topuz A. C., Polat H., Taşlıbeyaz E., Kurşun E., Yeşilyurt S.

EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY, cilt.46, sa.1, ss.52-79, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 46 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1080/01443410.2025.2539797
  • Dergi Adı: EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, Education Abstracts, Educational research abstracts (ERA), ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Psycinfo
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.52-79
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Argumentative writing, GenAI-generated feedback, human-generated feedback, writing performance
  • Atatürk Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study examined the impact of feedback provided by a human tutor (HT) and GenAI on the argumentative writing performance of L2 learners. A total of 59 students participating in the study were divided into two groups randomly: group 1 received feedback from the HT and group 2 received feedback from GenAI in the first task. For the second writing task, the groups were reversed.The mixed-ANCOVA test results revealed that students produced better final drafts after receiving feedback on their argumentative writing. Although GenAI-generated feedback had no significant difference in improving writing components and general writing performance, human-generated feedback promoted students' language, mechanics, and overall writing scores in their final drafts at a significant level. Therefore, it can be suggested that a balance between the two feedback sources should be achieved to provide EFL learners with effective feedback, promote their writing, and thus decrease HTs' workload.