The effects of instruction about computers and their operation on computer anxiety

David Carl Pedersen, Purdue University

Abstract

With the rapid advancements in technology, computers have become an integral part of our lives. Their rise to prominence has made it necessary for many novice users to learn how to operate and utilize them. In many instances these demands have produced anxiety toward computers. This study examines the effect on computer anxiety of providing the novice user with an introductory computer tutorial and with continued instruction about computers. The study involved sixty-four students in an educational applications of computers class and sixty-five students in a social issues in education class. The students in the computer class were randomly assigned to two groups. At the outset of the class one of the computer class groups received a computer-assisted tutorial designed to provide the novice user with information about computers and their operation. Subjects in both computer class groups continued to receive instruction about and experience with computers for a twelve-week period. Students in the social issues class received no computer instruction. All subjects were tested periodically with the Computer Anxiety Inventory (CAIN) to determine their computer anxiety. Results of the study indicate the CAIN to be a reliable computer anxiety measurement instrument with Cronbach Alpha reliabilities above.93 and test-retest reliabilities above.94. The study showed both an immediate and a prolonged significant reduction in computer anxiety resulting from the computer-assisted tutorial. A significant reduction of computer anxiety also resulted from the instruction received in the computer class during the twelve-week duration of the study.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Russell, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Educational software

COinS