Computer anxiety and mental models of first time adult computer users
Date
1998
Authors
Bain, Pamela
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Abstract
Computers are here to stay (Marcoulides, 1995), however there are still many
people who are learning about computers for the first time. Since there is a
distinct lack of understanding on whether computer attitudes will change
subsequent to controlled exposure to computers, as well as little sound
research on mental model change with respect to interaction with computers,
an ex post facto, matched-pairs with control group field research design it was
deemed necessary to ascertain changes in attitudes and mental models as a
result of a 'basic skills in computing' course. Additionally various variables that
would influence these variables were also considered, including prior
knowledge/usage of computers, prior exposure to computer-like devices, and
demographic variables.
The research sample consisted of sixty two trainees prior to the course, thirty
three subsequent to the course measures and eleven control group subjects
tested over a similar time span. The Loyd and Gressard (1984) scale of
computer attitudes was used, incorporating measures of computer anxiety,
computer confidence, computer liking and overall attitudes towards
computers. The subjects were also required to draw their mental model of
what was 'under the lid of the computer box' and to fill out a demographics
questionnaire.
The results revealed that home language, occupation, prior knowledge/usage
of computers and to some extent age influenced computer attitudes and
furthermore, these no longer influenced attitudes subsequent to the course. A
change in overall computer attitudes as well as confidence was also found.
However, the control group did not differ significantly from that of the
experimental group in terms of attitudes in order to confirm this effect.
Demographic variables did not effect mental model conceptualisations,
however they did vary as a result of the computer course and these results
were confirmed in that the control group remained the same. Additionally prior
exposure to computers in terms of having either seen, used or owned
computers related to mental models although knowledge/usage of computers
did not.
The implications that these results have in terms of the influence that training
courses have on attitudes and mental models are presented. While every
effort was made to ensure that a sound research design was used, several
limitations of the research were discussed. Suggestions for improvement and
areas for future studies are, as a result, delineated.
Description
Thesis (M.A.(Psychology)) -- University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Arts, 1998.
Keywords
Computers -- Psychological aspects, Human-computer interaction -- Psychological aspects, Anxiety -- Psychological aspects