ATTITUDES TOWARD COMPUTERS - CONSTRUCT-VALIDATION AND RELATIONS TO COMPUTER USE

Attitudes toward computers are generally thought to be composed of two factors: (1) beliefs that the computer is a beneficial tool, and (2) beliefs that computers are autonomous entities. We employed confirmato ry factor analysis and structural equation modeling to examine (1) the convergent and discriminant validity of scales assessing two attitude s toward computers, (2) the relative predictive validity of the two at titude dimensions with computer use, and (3) a theoretical model of at titudes toward computers and computer use. Results supported the hypot hesis that attitudes toward computers are composed of two distinct con structs and the hypothesis concerning the ordering of the two computer attitudes and computer use. We found partial support for the hypothes is that the two attitude factors differ in their prediction of compute r use. Overall, the results supported the idea that two distinct belie fs about computers are present and that these two beliefs are signific antly related to computer use.