Mediating Role of Student Character between the Relationship of Automatic Short Essay Scoring, Trustfulness, and Student Academic Performance of Iraq Higher Educational Institution

Abstract

The aim of this research was to examine the mediating effects of automatic short essay scoring, trustworthiness, and student character on the academic performance of students in Iraq. Additionally, the study investigated the mediating role of student character in the relationship between automatic short essay scoring, trustworthiness, and academic performance. A sample of 321 university teachers in Iraq was utilised, with data collected through a Likert scale questionnaire. The study revealed that automatic short essay scoring and student character are significant predictors of students' academic performance. In contrast, while trustworthiness does not have a significant direct impact on academic performance, it positively influences student character. The research also confirmed the mediating role of student character in the relationship between automatic short essay scoring and trustworthiness and their effects on academic performance. These findings offer new insights to the literature, as previous research has not addressed the mediating influence of student character. Educational practitioners and policymakers in Iraq can leverage these results to enhance strategies aimed at improving students’ academic outcomes.