Gender Differences in Computer Attitudes and Use among College Students

Abstract

In this study we examined the gender gap in computer attitudes and use based on a sample of 202 college students. We surveyed the students' attitudes in relation to gender, experience, and parental encouragement. Students responded differently in regard to attitudes and experience: females were less interested in computers and less confident than males; males were more experienced. Further analysis of the students' responses showed that one semester of computer training improved their attitude toward computers. The results are discussed in terms of students' precollege computer experience and parental behavior.

Self-Authorship and Women's Career Decision Making

“…High school students have reported that their parents have sex-stereotyped views of computers, with boys more likely to report encouragement from parents regarding computer use and ability (Shashaani, 1994). Female students who perceived that their parents considered computers more of a male domain were less interested in computers for themselves and had less confidence in their computer ability than other females in the same academic program (Shashaani, 1997).…”

“…Multiple studies have shown parental support for technical education and careers to be very influential for girls (Manitoba Department of Education and Training, 2000;O'Brien et al, 2000;Paa & McWhirter, 2000;Shashaani, 1997). Mother and father's support of career choice has been shown to be higher for women who choose STEM fields as opposed to more traditional career fields.…”

Implicaciones de Género en la Sociedad de la Información: Un Análisis desde los Determinantes de Uso de Internet en Chile y México

“…Algunos estudios han logrado identificar las diferencias de género desde el proceso mismo del auto reconocimiento frente a las tecnologías, en cuanto a habilidades y confianza, hasta la eficacia en el uso de las mismas (Shashaani, 1997;Kennedy, Wellman y Klement, 2003).…”

Does computer anxiety reach levels which conform to DSM IV criteria for specific phobia?

“…Increasing familiarity with technology often relates to lower levels of computer anxiety, (Choi, Ligon & Ward, 1999;Shashaani, 1997;Maurer, 1994) but can also exacerbate it (Carlson & Wright, 1993). Rosen and Maguire (1990) highlight that that although an inverse relationship tends to exist between computer experience and anxiety this is confounded by highly anxious individuals actively avoiding computer interaction.…”

“…Thus in a sub-set of the computer anxious, it remains a problem and extends beyond the fear of the technology to a distrust and fear of computer experts and 'technocrats' (Wilson, 1999). There is however increasing evidence that the nature of the experience with technology determines its impact upon computer anxiety and that such anxiety is amenable to change by brief, well-structured, intervention programmes (Rosen, Sears & Weil, 1993, Wilson 1999, Shashaani, 1997Brosnan & Thorpe, in press). …”