The purpose of this study was to develop a model of investigating anxiety in human-computer interactions. The model was constructed from three components. Firstly, precursor conditions of anxiety were identified by assimilating several of the accepted theoretical viewpoints of the anxiety concept. Secondly, the computer-human interaction process was examined and typical events in this process were identified. Finally, a connection between the computer-human interaction process and anxiety was proposed by identifying a subset of specific interaction events that were representative of the anxiety inducing conditions. These were termed Computer-Interaction Anxiety (CIA) events. To test the validity of the model an experiment was carried out in which state anxiety data was collected while 31 subjects were engaged in an interactive computer programming session. There was a significant increase in the subjects' state-anxiety level immediately after experiencing typical CIA events. / Education, Faculty of / Curriculum and Pedagogy (EDCP), Department of / Graduate

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published_or_final_version / abstract / Education / Master / Master of Science in Information Technology in Education

A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Psychology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts. / The current research report seeks to investigate the relationship between psychological type/cognitive style, and computer attitude components, namely computer anxiety. computer confidence, and computer liking, in a sample of full-time banking employees. Psychological type is assessed by means of the dichotomous preferences of extraversion-introversion (E-I), thinking-feeling (T-F) , and sensing-intuition (S-N), based on Jungian personality theory, and operationalised by the Myers Briggs Type Indicator. The T-F and S-N preferences, being mental processes 0'1 judging or perceiving, may also be interpreted as cognitive styles. Pertinent to the current investigation is the impact that certain demographic variables have on computer attitudes, in terms of their relationship with, and their ability to predict computer attitudes. Research results provide moderate support for the proposed hypotheses. No relationship was found between the extraversion-introversion preference and computer attitudes. People with a sensing preference exhibited more positive attitudes towards computers than people with an intuition preference, People with a thinking preference indicated less computer anxiety and more positive computer attitudes as a whole than their feeling counterparts. No relationship was found between the T- F preference and computer liking or confidence. Age and previous computer experience were found to have the strongest relationships with computer attitudes, suggesting that these two demographics could predict computer attitudes more effectively and conclusively than personality variables. No relationships were found for gender differences and computer attitudes, contrary to previous research. / Andrew Chakane 2018

Thesis (M.A.(Psychology)) -- University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Arts, 1998. / Computers are here to stay (Marcoulides, 1995), however there are still many people who are learning about computers for the first time. Since there is a distinct lack of understanding on whether computer attitudes will change subsequent to controlled exposure to computers, as well as little sound research on mental model change with respect to interaction with computers, an ex post facto, matched-pairs with control group field research design it was deemed necessary to ascertain changes in attitudes and mental models as a result of a 'basic skills in computing' course. Additionally various variables that would influence these variables were also considered, including prior knowledge/usage of computers, prior exposure to computer-like devices, and demographic variables. The research sample consisted of sixty two trainees prior to the course, thirty three subsequent to the course measures and eleven control group subjects tested over a similar time span. The Loyd and Gressard (1984) scale of computer attitudes was used, incorporating measures of computer anxiety, computer confidence, computer liking and overall attitudes towards computers. The subjects were also required to draw their mental model of what was 'under the lid of the computer box' and to fill out a demographics questionnaire. The results revealed that home language, occupation, prior knowledge/usage of computers and to some extent age influenced computer attitudes and furthermore, these no longer influenced attitudes subsequent to the course. A change in overall computer attitudes as well as confidence was also found. However, the control group did not differ significantly from that of the experimental group in terms of attitudes in order to confirm this effect. Demographic variables did not effect mental model conceptualisations, however they did vary as a result of the computer course and these results were confirmed in that the control group remained the same. Additionally prior exposure to computers in terms of having either seen, used or owned computers related to mental models although knowledge/usage of computers did not. The implications that these results have in terms of the influence that training courses have on attitudes and mental models are presented. While every effort was made to ensure that a sound research design was used, several limitations of the research were discussed. Suggestions for improvement and areas for future studies are, as a result, delineated.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of the Witwatersrand, Arts Faculty (Industrial Psychology), 1997 / The paper set out to define anthropocentrism and anthropomorphism with respect to computers as well as creating valid and reliable scales to measure these constructs. It also explored these constructs' relationship with attitudes towards computers and began to explore possible predictors of anthropocentrism and anthropomorphism. Anthropocentrism with respect to computers was defined as a motive or value in which people perceive humanity to be the most significant of all entities and in which computers are seen as valuable to the extent that they are able to maintain or enhance the quality of life of humans or provide benefits to them. Anthropomorphism with respect to computers was defined as the extent to which people believe that computers have the same capabilities and characteristics that humans have. As hypothesised. anthropocentrism. anthropomorphism and attitudes towards computers were found to be negatively related but distinct constructs. Anthropocentrism was found to be positively related to attitudes towards computers and anthropomorphism was inversely related to attitudes towards computers. Exploratory studies found that predictors of anthropocentrism included gender. and predictors of anthropomorphism included gender. culture. and experience with computers. / AC 2016

by Cheuk Fung Ting. / Thesis (M.Ph.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1988. / Bibliography: leaves 96-107.