PREDICTORS OF COMPUTER ANXIETY AND PERFORMANCE IN INFORMATION-SYSTEMS

This paper reports on the results of a study of business undergraduate s undertaking an introductory unit in information systems. The focus o f the study was to determine whether or not perceived knowledge of sof tware, microcomputer experience, overall knowledge of computers, progr amming experience, and biological sex were predictors of computer anxi ety. Analysis was carried out to assess the factor structure and the d iscriminatory power of the Computer Anxiety Rating Scale (CARS). Previ ous computer experience is an important element of success in undergra duate courses in information systems. Computer anxiety is definitely i mplicated in performance. Sex in general was not found to be a predict or of computer anxiety. However, females with low levels of perceived knowledge of software and limited experience with computers were predo minant in the failing subgroup. The CARS appears to have a very high d iscriminatory capability. The CARS is easy to use and efficient. It ca n be used to identify and assist students who present with significant anxiety about using microcomputers.