The Role of Gender on the Development of General Computer Self-Efficacy - Essay Example

Technology and Gender Critical Assessment and Analysis of a Research: “Are Women More Technology- Oriented Than Women? The Role of Gender on the Development of General Computer Self- Efficacy of College Students” The article by Jun He and Lee A. Freeman is a report on the investigation of the impacts of gender on general computer self-efficacy. The study was conducted on college students and attempts to deduce the different gender attitudes and perceptions of information technologies. This study appears to conclude that men are more technology-oriented than women. The article begins by acknowledging the significance of employing individual characteristics into a research regarding the acceptance and adoption of technology usage. It indicates that previous researchers have successfully used cognitive, behavioral reactions and affective factors as independent or control variables in their studies. He provides examples of early studies such as the Technology Acceptance Model developed by Davis in 1989 meant to provide explanations of the behavioral intention of a potential user in technological innovation (He and Lee, 2012). They continue to provide the example of the 1991 study by Compeau and Higgins who based their investigation of people’s perspectives on technology adoption on diffusion of innovations (He and Lee, 2012). Despite previous studies, the authors indicate that a solid conclusion concerning the different attitudes between the male and female use of information technology systems remains elusive. Most studies only offer significant and insignificant conclusions about the matter. The article insists that gender is a significant demographic factor that influences an individual’s reaction to technology. The study in the article utilizes self-efficacy as the main dependent variable for two reasons. Self-efficacy is a core element of social cognitive theory and is recognized as a major factor that regulates an individual’s computer habits. Secondly, fundamental state of psychology directs the attitude and decisions made in IT adoption by influencing factors like the perception of ease of use. The study then uses the variable to test the impact of the learning process on gender and the formation of attitudes that affects an individual’s confidence in the use of computers. Self-efficacy defines the personal belief of an individual in his ability to complete a task. The findings indicate that women’s self-efficacy in the use of computers in less than that of men. The female students in the study had limited computer knowledge and fewer computing interactions. Additionally, they were more likely to have high anxiety levels about computer usage compared to the male students. Finally, compared to male students, they scored lower in general computer self-efficacy. However, the findings also imply that gender had an insignificant effect on the general computer self-efficacy. Although, males are more technology oriented, women are not essentially inferior to men in regard to the confidence in computer usage. This finding supports others similar to it like the 2002 findings by King and colleagues that indicated that using computers for communication helps women find computers less threatening (He and Lee, 2012). The article continues to indicate that educators should use its findings to improve the education practices that build the confidence of female students. This is because the results indicate the females feel less confident and more anxious about using computers because they learn less and practice less in their learning process (He and Lee, 2012). The article concludes that increasing the exposure, experience and practice of females with computers is likely to improve females’ confidence in computer usage. The study’s results indicating that men are more technology oriented than women are essentially true. Nonetheless, it does not conclude that men understand or use technology better than women use. Additionally, like most studies it focuses on information technologies and fails to consider domestic electronic technology. Women encounter technology at work and at home. They have work computers, personal laptops and use electronic devices at home. Women are increasingly purchasing more technology related products like laptops, smartphones, and tablets (Booth, Goodman & Kirkup, 2010). This shows that although women do not have a high level of computer self-efficacy, they use information technology systems as much as men or more. The main difference is that women are social beings who enjoy and prefer socializing. It is for this reason that women enjoy using computers and mobile devices for communication and interaction. Women frequent online shopping websites for shoes, clothing, and cosmetics all the time. On the other hand, men spend more time on video games and other gaming websites. In fact, while women purchase laptops and tablets, men purchase flat screen TVs and video games. Additionally, women’s limited computer self-efficacy does not limit their ability or confidence to use other forms of technology. Women employ technology in many aspects of their lives due to their domestic and work responsibilities. They use vacuum cleaners, laundry machines, ovens and other house gadgets. The article’s analysis only becomes valid in regard to the repairing aspect of technology. If a vacuum cleaner or laundry machine breaks down, most women may not be confident enough to fix it. They prefer to get a repairperson if the male present in the house cannot fix the machine. Therefore, women are only interested in technology to the extent where it eases their work or their chores. However, they are either uninterested or lack the self-confidence required to understand the entire machine system as implied by the article. Furthermore, it is in the nature of women to be nurturing and humanist. Most of them have adopted technology to improve the quality of their lives and that of their families. Women only seem confident enough to engage with the systems of technology that interests them or improve their lives. For instance, while a woman may be less versed on how to use Microsoft office excels or power point, she is an expert on internet research. Women are always searching the internet for information about health issues due to the role they play in childcare and diet requirements. Women research on issues such as healthy recipes, common child infections, weight loss, obesity and other factors that affect their social and health environment. Therefore, there is a high probability that computer self-efficacy is not only based on attitude, but also the needs and preferences of the individual. Women have continuous tasks that constantly involve the use of technology. Their interest and attitude may be based on the need to understand the technology as opposed to self-confidence as the article suggests (Booth, Goodman & Kirkup, 2010). The study is a major step toward understanding the relationship between gender and technology. However, while it proves its premise, it fails to consider other personal characteristics like interests, preference, and personal duties. It serves to inspire more research about the way in which behavior, attitude, and personality affect technology. It is clear that while males are more technologically oriented, women are more reserved and selective about technology use. References He, J. and Lee, F. A. (2012). Are Women More Technology- Oriented Than Women? The Role of Gender on the Development of General Computer Self- Efficacy of College Students. West Lafayette: EDSIG. Retrieved from: ProQuest February 21 2015. http://search.proquest.com/docview/745597250?accountid=45049 Booth, S., Goodman, S., & Kirkup, G. (2010). Gender issues in learning and working with information technology: Social constructs and cultural contexts. Hershey, PA: Information Science Reference. Read More