Computer use, self-confidence, and attitudes: A causal analysis

https://doi.org/10.1016/0747-5632(93)90033-OGet rights and content

Abstract

Based on attitude—behavior theory, it was hypothesized that computer use would enhance beliefs about self-perceived computer confidence, which would in turn affect attitudes towards computers. Primary level students (N = 723) completed self-report surveys that measured these three constructs. Covariance structural analyses revealed that (a) computer use positively affected computer confidence, and (b) computer confidence positively affected computer attitudes. Unexpectedly, direct computer use had a negative effect on computer attitudes, when confidence was held constant. Results suggest how computer educational environments might be improved.

References (48)

  • J. Berner

    Overcoming computer fear

    (1984)
  • M. Castellano et al.

    Computer phobia: Four point approach helps end users overcome anxieties

    Data Management

    (1987)
  • M. Chen

    Gender and computers: The beneficial effects of experience and attitudes

  • V. Clarke

    Girls and computing: A study of primary school children

  • D.H. Clements et al.

    Social and cognitive interactions in educational computer environments

    American Educational Research Journal

    (1988)
  • B. Collis

    Psychosocial implications of sex differences in attitudes towards computers: Results of a survey

    International Journal of Women's Studies

    (1985)
  • R.L. Dukes et al.

    Convergent validity of four computer anxiety scales

    Educational and Psychological Measurement

    (1989)
  • T.E. Erickson

    Sex differences in student attitudes towards computers

    (1987)
  • T.E. Erickson et al.

    The Blomberg-Erickson-Lowery Computer Attitudes Task

    (1988)
  • M. Fishbein

    A theory of reasoned action: Some applications and implications

  • M. Fishbein et al.

    Belief, attitude, intention, and behavior: An introduction to theory and research

    (1975)
  • T. Guimaraes et al.

    Personal computing trends and problems: An empirical study

    MIS Quarterly

    (1986)
  • N. Hativa

    Computer-based drill and practice in arithmetic: Widening the gap between high-and low-achieving students

    American Educational Research Journal

    (1988)
  • G.S. Howard

    Computer anxiety and other determinants of managers' attitudes toward the usefulness of microcomputers in management

    (1984)
  • Cited by (74)

    • Why do employees resist knowledge management systems? An empirical study from the status quo bias and inertia perspectives

      2016, Computers in Human Behavior
      Citation Excerpt :

      The people-oriented perspective suggests that people resist the new system because of factors internal to a person or group (Jiang et al., 2000; Markus, 1983). Some research supports the notion that certain characteristics (e.g., age, gender) and different background, value and belief systems contribute to an individual's attitude towards technology (Gardner et al., 1994; Sacks et al., 1993). The interaction-oriented perspective argues that neither the system nor people's characteristics themselves are the causes of resistance.

    • Toward a deeper understanding of IT adoption: A multilevel analysis

      2014, Information and Management
      Citation Excerpt :

      Moreover, the person-oriented approach often relies on intentions to adopt IT rather than actual IT adoption behaviors [75,78]. This paper addresses these limitations by drawing on a social constructivist belief that IT adoption behaviors are the product of personal cognitions (thoughts about the IT system or initiative) and contextual workplace influences [33,73]. From this position, we explore how RTC operates at two levels of cognitive specificity (distal and proximal) and two levels of analysis (personal and contextual).

    • Effects of collaborative online shopping on shopping experience through social and relational perspectives

      2013, Information and Management
      Citation Excerpt :

      According to studies on human–computer interaction, high levels of intrinsic enjoyment and pleasure in computer-mediated environments are important factors that produce a positive attitude, increasing a user's intention to continuously perform a task [9,72,80]. Furthermore, Gardner et al. [24] verified that a close relationship exists between a user's attitude toward a system and his or her intention to use it. A positive subjective experience is considered a particularly important factor in influencing consumer behavior; this perspective is similar to the importance attached to a user's attitude toward a task that forms a key variable in rational behavior theory and planned behavior theory [33].

    View all citing articles on Scopus
    View full text