Beliefs about the social roles and capabilities of computing technology: development of the computing technology continuum of perspective

Abstract

Using data from 1216 students and professionals, this research developed a new construct focusing on beliefs about the social role and capabilities of computing technology, the computing technology continuum of perspective (CP). Results indicated that individuals have different beliefs about the social role and capabilities of computing technology along four dimensions, including beliefs about: 1) intelligence; 2) socialness; 3) control; 4) control of rights. Results further indicated that an individual's CP was related to gender, experience with computers, as well as locus of control, self-esteem, neuroticism and general computer self-efficacy. Implications are drawn for future research investigating various beliefs about the social role and capabilities of computing technology.

Keywords:

• Continuum of perspective
• Anthropomorphism
• Human computer interaction
• Core self-evaluations
• Measures
• Validity

Notes

The final scales used to assess the psychological constructs were piloted as part of a broader programme of research and only those items that most strongly theoretically and empirically represented the constructs were used in this study.