Informational Reception Apprehension and Information from Technology Aversion: Development and Test of a New Construct

Abstract

In technologically advanced cultures and societies, information acquisition from information technologies is a part of daily life. Human, psychologically detrimental aspects of this process were examined. Previous measurement and research related to computer and information anxieties revealed some of the nature of the difficulties, as well as direct measurement concerns. The construct of informational reception apprehension and existing scales provided a basis for developing a new foundation for measuring and assessing these difficulties. Long and short versions of a new information reception apprehension test for information technology (IRAT–IT) were developed and tested in relation to computers, Internet service, and time on-line. Richer assessment of underlying difficulties drawn from a receiver perspective resulted in reliable and valid scales that meaningfully related this type of information reception apprehension to information-from-technology behaviors. Suggested use in technologically advanced and technologically developing cultures is outlined.

Keywords:

• Computer anxiety
• Information technologies
• Information anxiety
• Communication apprehension
• Information seeking

Notes

Lawrence R. Wheeless, Ph D. Wayne State University, 1970, is Professor of Communication Studies at the University of North Texas. Libby Eddleman-Spears, MA, University of North Texas, 2001, is an Instructor in Communication Studies and doctoral candidate in Information Science at the University of North Texas. Lee D. Magness, BA, University of North Texas, 2002 is a graduate assistant and masters candidate at the University of North Texas. Raymond W. Preiss, Ph D., University of Oregon, 1988, is Professor of Communication and Theatre Arts at the University of Puget Sound.

Libby Eddleman-Spears, Department of Communication Studies, P. O. Box 305268—UNT, Denton, TX 76203-5268, USA (Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]; Email: [email protected]

Based on apparently conflicting previous research, male/female differences were not hypothesized in the informational reception apprehension test for information technology (IRAT–IT). Any possible obtainable differences would likely be due to cultural roles, accessibility, and motivations tied to gender orientations rather than sex. Tests of those issues were beyond the scope of this study. Likewise, differences in IRAT–IT scores owing to age, given the sample norms for age, were also beyond the scope of this study.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lawrence R. Wheeless

Lawrence R. Wheeless, Ph D. Wayne State University, 1970, is Professor of Communication Studies at the University of North Texas. Libby Eddleman-Spears, MA, University of North Texas, 2001, is an Instructor in Communication Studies and doctoral candidate in Information Science at the University of North Texas. Lee D. Magness, BA, University of North Texas, 2002 is a graduate assistant and masters candidate at the University of North Texas. Raymond W. Preiss, Ph D., University of Oregon, 1988, is Professor of Communication and Theatre Arts at the University of Puget Sound. Libby Eddleman-Spears, Department of Communication Studies, P. O. Box 305268—UNT, Denton, TX 76203-5268, USA (Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]; Email: [email protected]