An Examination of the Factor Structures of the Computer Attitude Scale

Abstract

Previous research regarding the popular Computer Attitude Scale (CAS) has indicated that the computer confidence and computer anxiety subscales measure the same trait. This study, utilizing data yielded from 208 educators, obtained estimates of the reliability of the four subscale version of the forty item CAS; provided detailed information regarding the factor patterns of the CAS subscales; and provided evidence about the differential validity of the CAS among four groups with differing intensity of computer usage. Correlations and exploratory factor analysis were used to analyze the data. The results confirm that the confidence and anxiety subscales are a continuum. A new, smaller, subscale was created to reflect this relationship. Further, a new factor, attitudes toward academic endeavors associated with computer training, was named. The CAS may now be interpreted as a thirty-four-item scale addressing computer liking, perceived usefulness of computers, computer confidence/anxiety, and attitudes toward academic endeavors associated with computer training.