Correlates of Computer Anxiety of Adolescent Students

Abstract

Selected correlates of computer anxiety of 1075 male and female students in grades 5 and 12 were investigated using a short form of the Computer Anxiety Scale developed by Newman and Clure (1984). The results of separate multiple regression analyses for the two sexes indicated that five independent variables, perceived effect of computer ability on interpersonal relationships, fear of computer hardware, availability of a computer in the home, perceived relationship between math and computer abilities, and perception of computer ability as related to gender were significant predictors of computer anxiety for both males and females. Availability of a computer at school also entered the multiple regression equation as a significant predictor for females. Perceived effect of computer ability on interpersonal relationships was the best predictor of computer anxiety for both males and females. The results of two three-way analyses of variance indicated no significant sex and grade differences in adolescents' computer anxiety, but significant main effects of use of a computer at school and availability of a computer at home were identified in the analyses.