The effect of communication, writing, and technology apprehension on likelihood to use new communication technologies

Abstract

1997) The effect of communication, writing, and technology apprehension on likelihood to use new communication technologies, Communication Education, 46:1, 44-62, This study explores the role of computer anxiety, communication apprehension, and writing apprehension in predicting future use of new communication technologies. Past research has rarely examined these constructs as predictors of future use and has not considered the impact of writing and communication apprehension on text-based and phone-based technologies, which are used primarily for interaction. Survey results from 178 undergraduate students tend to support hypotheses about the relevance of computer anxiety and communication apprehension in predicting future technology use, but not those with regard to writing apprehension. Furthermore, past experience appears to be a strong predictor of future use; however, gender differences are rare. The implications of these findings for educational contexts are discussed.

Factors influencing perceived usefulness of wikis for group collaborative learning by first year students

“…As a result, there may have been a trade-off between internal validity and response rate or even the quality of answers. Although past research indicates that this is a common method for measuring easy to understand and less equivocal variables, such as the ones we used in this study (Scott & Rockwell, 1997), additional evidence with multi-item scales validated by previous studies could enhance internal validity. In addition, design constraints of the wikis used meant that the time spent using the wikis on the assignments could not objectively measured.…”

Media Richness, Communication Apprehension and Participation in Group Videoconferencing

“…Many users are not comfortable with their performance when using communication technologies such as videoconferencing (Scott & Rockwell, 1997). A popular view is that these people are apprehensive about using communication technologies because they have little understanding of the technologies or how to use them effectively (Booth-Butterfield & Cattone, 1991;Martinsons & Chong, 1999).…”

“…This aversion could create dysfunctional communication patterns with significant performance costs for organizations and detrimental career implications for individuals (Okebukola et al, 1992;Scott & Rockwell, 1997). Managers also need to be aware of the difficulties caused by user discomfort as user apprehension plays a critical role in the success of new technologies.…”

“…Communication apprehensive individuals usually adopt avoidance and withdrawal behavior and are therefore less likely to engage in oral communication (Scott & Rockwell, 1997). Hence, communication apprehension will be more acute when using communication technologies that center on oral communication such as in audio and videoconferencing.…”

The effect of computer anxiety on price value trade‐off in the on‐line environment

“…For many consumers, using computers or even being around them results in anxiety (Chua, Chen, & Wong, 1999;Heinssen, Glass, & Knight, 1987;Scull, 1999). Computer anxiety is defined as an affective response that reflects apprehension and fear felt by an individual when he or she is using or considering the implications of using computer technology (Cambre & Cook, 1985;Heinssen et al, 1987;Scott & Rockwell, 1997). It is estimated that more than half of Americans suffer from technical phobia (Williams, 1994) and more than one third of college students have computer anxiety (DeLoughry, 1993).…”