Search

Highlights: [•] Internet addiction appears as mental health concern for Dutch adolescents. [•] 3.7% of the adolescents were classified as being addicted to the Internet. [•] Use of online gaming and social apps increased the risk for Internet addiction. [•] Conscientiousness and extraversion were preventive factors for gaming addiction. [•] The findings support the inclusion of ‘Internet addiction’ in the DSM-V. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] This study proposes the concept of power user to understand users’ characteristics. [•] It examines power users’ disposition toward mobile media devices. [•] It examines power use’s ties with personality attributes and other variables. [•] Personality attributes are strong predictors for power use. [•] Media multitasking and traditional media use can partially predict power use. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Malaysians were reported to have the most number of Facebook friends, spend more time on Facebook and might be addicted to Facebook as well. This paper explored Facebook usage pattern, motivations and psychological/behavioural factors affecting the users. A focus group study was first conducted to explore motives to use Facebook and symptoms related to excessive Facebook usage. The themes emerging from this were then used in addition to Uses and Gratifications theory and Brown’s Addiction framework to further explore Facebook usage pattern, motivations and behavioural issues among a large group of students. Results show that Malaysian students use Facebook actively, similar to other studies done worldwide. Factor analyses yielded five motives to use Facebook: Social Networking, Psychological Benefits, Entertainment, Self Presentation and Skill Enhancement. As for the behavioural symptoms, Salience, Loss of Control, Withdrawal and Relapse and Reinstatement emerged as the four main symptoms. These results show that in general Malaysian students use Facebook for similar motives as reported in literature. However, it is interesting to note that they also exhibited behavioural symptoms, such as Salience, Loss of Control, Withdrawal and Relapse and Reinstatement due to excessive Facebook usage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study addresses the influences of Spanish teenagers’ usage intensity of the Spanish online social networking site Tuenti on their psychological wellbeing. Tuenti is the social networking site that is most preferred and used by Spanish adolescents. Hypothesized relationships are analyzed by structural equation analysis in a sample of 344 Spanish adolescents aged 12–17 with an online Tuenti profile. Teenagers’ usage intensity of Tuenti was positively related to the degree of socializing on the social networking site. Furthermore, socializing on Tuenti had a significantly positive influence on teenagers’ perception of wellbeing. This relationship was not direct, however, but mediated by the intervening variables of self-esteem and loneliness. Results confirmed that Tuenti has become a suitable platform for the development, consolidation and growth of Spanish teenagers’ social relations. Contrary to some previous research pointing to a detrimental effect of SNS use on mental health and psychological wellbeing, the findings of this study are in line with those of a number of authors who suggest that SNS use may on the whole be positive for users, including most teenagers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The introduction of ICT into preschool practice is generally lagging. However, there is a variation regarding use of new technology. Hence, the aim of this study is to analyze which are the possibilities and difficulties to embed computers into preschool practice. Data consists of naturalistic texts from 31 preschool teacher students revealing their experiences from trying to embed computers into practice. Analysis of data was guided by a framework adapted from Giddens’ structuration theory, focussing on students’ drawing on tradition and on knowledge claims when justifying their stances. Results show ambivalence to computer use. However, two groups of students emerged. One group embraced the new technology, whereas the other group conceived new technology as a threat to tradition. Depending on how activities are interpreted to fit into preschool tradition, using computers can or cannot be justified. Understanding tradition, as partially values and partially routines, provides possibilities to modify preschool practice to include computer activities. Knowledge claims, for example pertaining to developmental stimulation, can also be used as justifications for embedding computers into preschool practice. If, however, values appear to be threatened, tradition as well as knowledge claims can be used to justify protection against using computers in preschool practice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Automatic motor or involuntary postural behaviors of users have been receiving an increasing interest in recent years, as unobtrusive measures of cognitive states. In this paper, we investigate the involuntary postural responses of seated users derived from their cognitive changes as input for Attentive Computing Systems. The paper first introduces seated posture, its advantages for cognitive state assessment and connections with cognitive states and, related studies in order to provide a research background for this emerging area of research. We then focus on head posture of seated users and examine the involuntary head movements correlated with task engagement and changing task difficulty through an experiment conducted using a display-oriented cognitive task with changing difficulties. The experiment included 31 participants. Based on different measures, head response and speed, data gathered from user studies were analyzed. Repeated measures Analysis of Variances revealed that head response and speed could serve as cognitive engagement measures. The results indicated that participants get closer to a computer display and became more stationary when they were engaged in a task. The task difficulty analysis results, conversely, partially fulfilled our initial expectations. Head response and speed exhibited limited sensitive behaviors as task difficulties changed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Technology has become a fundamental component of both education and work. Yet regardless of perceived benefits, in many cases students do not use technology effectively. One challenge educators confront is how to motivate students to effectively use the technological mediums provided in their classes. The goal of the current study is twofold: to use the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to examine two motivators of behavior, ease of use and perceived need, and to assess how they affect students’ likelihood of effectively using technology. Second, we evaluate how the match between expectations of the use of technology and the actual student use affect actual classroom performance. To test our hypotheses, college students (N =384) in introductory psychology classes completed a survey. We also obtained the instructor’s perceptions of the need for technology in their class and students’ final class grades. Results showed that ease of use and perceived need of technology were related to the frequency of computer use and intentions to use technology. Additionally, findings suggested that technology use, specifically technology deemed important by the instructor, was related to academic success (i.e., final grade in class). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In analyzing the human tendency to treat computers as social actors (CASA), researchers tend to rule out the anthropomorphism explanation because anthropomorphism is understood to be “a sincere, conscious belief” that computers are human and/or deserving of human attributions. But, does anthropomorphism have to be necessarily mindful? Could it not also be a mindless tendency, especially given that most of us have somewhat long associations with our computers and have built human-like bonds with them? We examined these questions empirically by investigating whether the user tendency to treat computers as human beings is conscious (mindful) or non-conscious (mindless). We manipulated two variables (presence/absence of human-like agent and the low/high interactivity) on a health website and experimentally investigated whether they serve as anthropomorphic cues to trigger mindful attributions of human-ness to the website or mindless evaluations of the site in human terms. We found evidence for mindless anthropomorphism, with implications for user judgments of credibility of information on the site. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nowadays, new technologies and the fast growth of the Internet have made access to information easier for all kind of people, raising new challenges to education when using Internet as a medium. One of the best examples is how to guide students in their learning processes. The need to look for guidance from their teachers or other companions that many Internet users experience when endeavoring to choose their readings, exercises o practices is a very common reality. In order to cater for this need many different information and recommendation strategies have been developed. Recommendation Systems is one of these. Recommendation Systems try to help the user, presenting him those objects he could be more interested in, based on his known preferences or on those of other users with similar characteristics. This document tries to present the current situation with regards to Recommendation Systems and their application on distance education over the Internet. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper aims to reveal the determinants of the effectiveness of online discussion board systems (ODBSs) in eLearning environments to foster the interactions among the learners and/or instructors. A case in which an ODBS failed to foster the interactions among learners/instructors for knowledge sharing is introduced and hypotheses to explain the failure are developed based on thorough literature review in technology acceptance model (TAM) and knowledge hoarding. The hypotheses are tested via statistical analysis on the data collected from a questionnaire survey against the students who actually involved in the case study. The result shows that the low perceived usefulness of the ODBS by the students played major role in the failure of the system. Also it is hinted that network externalities as an intrinsic motivator is more effective than extrinsic motivators to increase the students’ activities on the ODBS. Finally the paper provides the designers of eLearning systems with advice for successful operation of ODBS in eLearning. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Web 2.0 social platforms (e.g., Flickr, YouTube) and Collaborative Working Environments (e.g., Microsoft SharePoint, BSCW) provide Web-based collaborative information spaces which enable common users and/or professionals to work together and share their online resources. Most of these collaborative information spaces provide role-based or group-based, coarse-grained access control policies which cannot successfully cope with the requirements posed by massive and open collaboration. In this paper, we present an annotation-based access control (AnBAC) model supported by a Collaboration Vocabulary (CoVoc) as a more flexible and user-centric access control approach. Based on this, we developed two tools: Uncle-Share is a gadget that provides annotation-based access control and can be equipped with CoVoc for annotating collaborative relationships. Who-With-Whom uses CoVoc to visualize extended social networks in order to help users to select appropriate contacts to grant access to resources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A Community of Interest is a specific type of Community of Practice. It is formed by a group of individuals who share a common interest or passion. These people exchange ideas and thoughts about the given passion. However, they are often not aware of their membership to the community, and they may know or care little about each other outside of this clique. This paper describes a proposal to automatically identify Communities of Interest from the tastes and preferences expressed by users in personal ontology-based profiles. The proposed strategy clusters those semantic profile components shared by the users, and according to the clusters found, several layers of interest networks are built. The social relations of these networks might then be used for different purposes. Specifically, we outline here how they can be used to model group profiles and make semantic content-based collaborative recommendations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: As computer use becomes prevalent at work and in leisure pursuits it presents a potential barrier to regular physical activity. However an individual’s confidence in overcoming such barriers may moderate the relationship between computer use and physical activity levels. This study examined the associations among computer use, self-efficacy in overcoming barriers to exercise, and physical activity levels among adult computer users. Participants (N =615) were recruited through national email and newsletters announcements, and completed standardized self-report questionnaires online. Computer use was not associated with meeting physical activity guidelines (adjusted odds ratio, AOR=0.63–1.00, n.s.). Among leisure computer users, the moderate efficacy group (AOR=3.72, 95% CI=1.59–8.69) and the high efficacy group (AOR=5.31, 95% CI=2.37–11.91) had higher odds of meeting physical activity guidelines compared to the low efficacy group. Among the work related computer users, the high efficacy group (AOR=2.83, 95% CI=1.18–6.77) had higher odds of meeting physical activity guidelines than the low efficacy group. These results suggest that barriers posed by high levels of computer use are surmountable. Efforts to increase efficacy in overcoming barriers to exercise may be more practical and have a greater impact on physical activity levels than trying to decrease computer use among adults. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to explore older computer users’ constraints at various age stages. We investigated perceived barriers experienced by older adults in the use of computer-mediated information technology in different age segments (the pre-senior, the young–old, and the older-old). Two hundred forty-three senior computer users participated in the study. Respondents’ ages ranged from 50 to 93. Results from exploratory factor analysis and one-way analysis of variance suggested that there were four dimensions of constraints encountered by seniors while dealing with computer-based technologies: Intrapersonal, interpersonal, structural, and functional constraints. These results indicated that senior users might face diverse barriers at different age stages. Implications for developing an effective programming for older adults and research limitations were discussed at the end. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The objective of the current research is to model trends in video game playing, overall computer use, and communication technology use in a longitudinal sample of youths, aged 11–16 over a 3-year interval. In addition, individual difference characteristics that may be predictive of these trends were included, namely, socio-demographic characteristics (gender, ethnicity, and parental income) and personality characteristics (self-esteem, the Big Five personality factors). Findings suggested that youth increased their overall computer and communication technology use but decreased their videogame playing over time. Many individual differences predicted mean levels of these technologies with fewer predicting slopes. Conclusions, implications, and limitations are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Much research has investigated computer self-efficacy. Despite these efforts, the relation between efficacy beliefs concerning the task being performed on the computer and beliefs dealing with the computer application remains overlooked. In this study, we apply associationism to show how task-specific self-efficacy beliefs (TSE) positively influence computer-specific self-efficacy (CSE) judgments. We also show that this relation might be more complex than first thought: the degree of match between the novelty of the task and the novelty the application moderates this relation. That is, when both the task and the application are novel (or not), the influence of TSE on CSE is greater than when one is novel and the other is not. Furthermore, we show that CSE positively influences perceptions of usefulness, and as such, CSE represents one of the building blocks of the formation of beliefs about computer applications. Finally, several implications for practice and future research are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Many senior portals are expected to appear as the elderly population and the number of aged Internet users continues to increase. This study defines a senior portal as an Internet portal that is specific to seniors. The purpose of the study is to investigate what kind of content of senior portals is preferred by prospective users of senior portals, and to analyze the preference for contents. The study administered a survey to prospective senior portal users over 50years of age who are residing in two large cities in Korea. This study found that content preferences vary according to the individual characteristics of prospective users. The findings of this study could help organizations to explore business opportunities, develop business models, and formulate business strategies that can differentiate them from their competitors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Software designers often attempt to increase the customizability of their products to facilitate human–computer interaction and improve user response. However, exactly how customizability affects online gaming is unclear. This study posits that customization enhances gamer immersion satisfaction and loyalty. The study sample consists of 865 online gamers who provided valid responses to an online survey. Three models are compared using structural equation modeling: a partial mediator model, in which customization increases gamer loyalty directly and indirectly via enhanced immersion satisfaction; a full mediator model, in which immersion satisfaction fully mediates how customization influences loyalty; and an independent variable model, in which customization and immersion satisfaction are independent variables impacting gamer loyalty. The results of this study demonstrate that the partial mediator model significantly outperforms the other two models, suggesting that online game providers that increase customization and satisfy gamer needs regarding immersion can better foster gamer loyalty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The intensive use of interactive media has led to assertions about the effect of these media on youth. This paper presents a quantitative study on the position of interactive media in young people’s lives. Rather than following the assumption of a homogeneous generation, we investigate the existence of a diversity of user patterns. The research question for this paper: Can patterns be found in the use of interactive media among youth? We answer this question by a survey among Dutch youngsters aged 10–23. Four clusters of interactive media users, namely Traditionalists, Gamers, Networkers and Producers were identified using cluster analysis. Behind these straightforward clusters, a complex whole of user activities can be found. Each cluster shows specific use of and opinions about interactive media. This provides a contextualized understanding of the position of interactive media in the lives of contemporary youth, and a nuanced conceptualization of the ‘Net generation’. This allows for studying the intricate relationship between youth culture, interactive media and learning. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Using computers with friends either in person or online has become ubiquitous in the life of most adolescents; however, little is known about the complex relation between this activity and friendship quality. This study examined direct support for the social compensation and rich-get-richer hypotheses among adolescent girls and boys by including social anxiety as a moderating factor. A sample of 1050 adolescents completed a survey in grade 9 and then again in grades 11 and 12. For girls, there was a main effect of using computers with friends on friendship quality; providing support for both hypotheses. For adolescent boys, however, social anxiety moderated this relation, supporting the social compensation hypothesis. These findings were identical for online communication and were stable throughout adolescence. Furthermore, participating in organized sports did not compensate for social anxiety for either adolescent girls or boys. Therefore, characteristics associated with using computers with friends may create a comfortable environment for socially anxious adolescents to interact with their peers which may be distinct from other more traditional adolescent activities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: As the populations of most of the world’s developed nations experience an increase in average age, a similar trend is being observed in the population of computer and Internet users. In many cases, older adults are the fastest growing computer and Internet user group in both personal and workplace contexts. However, the needs and concerns of older adults as computer users differ from those of younger users as a result of the natural changes associated with the aging process. Much research has been conducted in a variety of fields in order to understand how these changes experienced by older adults impact their use of computers and the Internet. This article reviews this existing research and provides a holistic view of the field. Since the study of computer use by older adults is a multi-disciplinary topic by nature, we provide a synthesis of the findings across these many disciplines, and attempt to highlight any gaps that exist. We use Social Cognitive Theory as a lens to view and organize the literature, as well as illustrate means through which computer use by this user group can be encouraged. Finally, suggestions for future research are proposed, and implications for research and practice are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present experiment investigated if anthropomorphic interfaces facilitate people’s tendency to project social expectations onto computers and how such effects might vary depending on users’ cognitive style. In a 2 (synthetic vs. recorded speech)×2 (flattering vs. generic feedback)×2 (low vs. high rationality)×2 (low vs. high experientiality) experiment, participants played a trivia game with a computer. Use of recorded speech did not amplify the previously documented flattery effects (), challenging the notion that anthropomorphism will promote social responses to computers. Participants evaluated the human-voiced computer more positively and conformed more to its suggestions than the one using synthetic speech, but such effects were found only among less analytical or more intuition-driven individuals, suggesting dispositional differences in people’s susceptibility to anthropomorphic cues embedded in the interface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: The current study examines the changes in functional connectivity that occurs when expert users adapt to an alternate mapping. Background: Research has indicated that interfaces that are similar will result in more errors and may contribute to confusion. Methods: Six volunteers were recruited to determine the neurophysiological changes that occur when users are exposed to an alternate mapping once an internal mental model is formed. Results: The results indicated a change in synchronization after alterations to the button mappings occurred. By altering the layout or order of the task, a difference in the activation pattern was observed. New areas became synchronized while synchronized activity that was present in the developed internal model became desynchronized. Altering the complexity of the task resulted in different patterns of activation recorded on the quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG). Conclusion: Users often form a schema when learning a device and subsequent interactions are compared to the mental model formed during the initial learning phase. If the newer interface differs significantly a new schema is formed, resulting in a different pattern of synchronization recorded on the QEEG. Application: The use of this knowledge can assist in the development of new interfaces. If the intent is to create a similar interface design, the activation pattern should remain the same indicating that the old schema can be applied. An interface that displays a different cognitive pattern will indicate that a new schema was developed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study investigates the effects of color sample display and color sample grouping on the usability (task efficiency and user preference) of a color combination interface. A 180-subject nested design experiment tested each of the three levels of color sample grouping (associative color number, color series, and product section) against each of the two levels of color sample display (color chip, product thumbnail) for efficiency and effectiveness (search time and error rate). A separate 30-subject experiment evaluated user preference. Of the three grouping types, product section (grouping of color chips or product thumbnails to correspond with modular sections of a product preview image) yielded the lowest search time and error rates. Of the two display types, product thumbnails achieved the highest user preference. Of the six formation-display configurations, color sample chips grouped by product section yielded both the lowest search time and highest preference. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper explores the Cyber-Psychological and Cyber-Geographic aspects of hacking and hacktivism. An examination of the literature related to hackers and hacking reveals a complex nexus of spatial (including cyber-spatial such as “Notopia”) and psychological aspects of hacking, from which emerges a central question of how humans perceive and manipulate their cyber-identities. Concealing (real and cyber) identities is typical in hacking. With our progressive acculturation with identity-less and place-less modes of existence, our cyber-identities through time may be studied from within John Locke’s criterion of “memory” and the spatial-geographical criterion of identity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The current study examined problematic Internet use (PIU) among people who play MMO games and sought to determine whether aspects of the MMO experience are useful predictors of PIU. The study sought to determine whether game-related variables could predict PIU scores after accounting for their relationships with psychosocial well-being. Novel methods allowed us, for the first time, to connect in-game behaviors with survey results of over 4000 MMO players. The results revealed that MMO gaming variables contributed a substantively small, but statistically significant amount of explained variance to PIU scores. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study integrates research on problematic Internet use to explore the cognitive and psychological predictors of negative consequences associated with playing massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs). Participants recruited from online discussion boards completed self-report measures on their online game-related cognitions and psychological condition, social skills, psychological well-being, and negative life outcomes associated with game playing. The results demonstrated the important roles that psychological dependency and deficient self-regulation play in negative consequences associated with online gaming. The results also indicated that psychological dependency on MMOGs was predicted by cognitive preference for a virtual life—a construct that is negatively related to social control skills. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Studies of everyday computer-related anger are rare. To shed more light upon this anecdotally common phenomenon, retrospective self-report questionnaires were used to elicit closed-ended and open-ended responses from 126 members of the general public and students in northern England who supplied psychological and behavioral data connected with a single recently experienced occurrence of computer-related anger. Inter alia, findings show verbal and physical aggression towards equipment to be common in bouts of computer anger, and physical aggression to be associated with greater negative affect prior to incidents but not with stress-related factors. However, stress-related factors and negative affect predicted variance in anger intensity over and above cognitive appraisal variables. It is concluded that computer anger is likely to be a source of stress for a small but significant number of people, that computers’ non-sentience leads to physical disinhibition, but that evidence that the expression of computer anger in social environments is inhibited by fear of people’s negative evaluations is weak. Further conclusions include the observations that anger is likely to be more intense when theoretically relevant cognitive appraisals are made, a person is in an irritable mood and when physiological arousal is elevated because of ongoing events. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Computer-supported social networks have become a significant channel for people to interact and exchange information. The success of computer-supported social networks depends on the extent to which members will stay and continue participating. Many computer-supported social networks however suffer from the problem of retaining members. Drawing from theories of user satisfaction and information adoption, we develop a model to examine how computer-supported social networks encourage members to continue participating and using the information in the network. The theoretical model is validated through an online survey of 240 users of a Bulletin Board System established by a local university in China. The results reveal that individuals will continue to use the information in a computer-supported social network when they are satisfied with their prior usage, and when they perceive that the information in the network is useful. The results also suggest that individuals’ perceived information usefulness and satisfaction are determined by information quality and source credibility in the context of computer-supported social networks. Theoretical and practical implications about computer-supported social networks are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: There are many valid ways to evaluate collaborative systems. The efficiency framework argues that while user satisfaction and preference for systems are important, neither directly predict outcome success or the ability of a system to facilitate collaboration. Further, it points to the importance of distinguishing between user satisfaction and outcome success when evaluating collaborative systems. Despite users’ reported preferences for media requiring less effort and time, the efficiency framework predicts that the expenditure of effort better predicts outcome success than do user preferences. This study tests these predictions and extends the model by comparing synchronous and asynchronous media with varying levels of communicative cues. One hundred and forty-two participants in groups of 3 or 4 engaged in collaboration over a 5week period. Groups were assigned to either interact face-to-face, or to one of four media conditions. There were no effects on actual group success that favored full-cue, synchronous communication. There was greater perceived group effectiveness for synchronous text and face-to-face interactions. Exploratory structural equation analysis showed that media characteristics predict copresence, which increases perceptions of group effectiveness, which in turn predict success. The results support the main assertion of the efficiency framework and explain some contradictions in prior research. Results are discussed with respect to their pertinence for theoretical and measurement issues in human computer interaction research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Attitudes Toward Computer Usage Scale (ATCUS) was first developed in 1986 by [Popovich, P. M., Hyde, K. R., Zakrajsek, T., & Blumer, C. (1987). The development of the attitudes toward computer usage scale. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 47, 261–269.] using American undergraduates and has since been with a variety of populations over the past 20 years. However, many changes in the technological landscape have occurred since its development, thus creating a need for an updated scale. During the course of a three-part study, the ATCUS v. 2.0 was developed with psychometric properties similar to that of the original ATCUS. The addition of more up-to-date items to serves to enhance the usefulness and practicality of this instrument. The ATCUS v. 2.0 was found to have both high internal consistency, alpha=.83 and test–retest reliability, r =.93. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study examined the effect of four communication modes (computer-based video teleconferencing, computer-based electronic chat, telephone, and face-to-face) on developmental interactions between dyads; specifically on the transmission of psychosocial versus instrumental information. The dyads consisted of undergraduates at a southeastern university. One member of the dyad was an incoming first year student; the second member was an upper division student who served as a developmental coach. The study was experimental in design, which controlled the amount of interaction, the frequency of interaction, and prior acquaintanceship of the dyadic pair. The small amount of variance attributable to communication mode suggests that people matter more than the machines. Specifically, in terms of implementing non-face-to-face developmental programs, it might be more useful to focus on reducing the variability in the coaches’ behaviors through selection or training, than to focus on communication mode. Additionally, independent observers watched and rated the dyadic interactions to provide a third point of view. There was very little overlap between coach and trainee perceptions, although there was considerable agreement between the raters’ and coaches’ ratings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Forty eight family child care providers and 37 center-based providers completed surveys about the availability and use of computers for children in their care. In addition, the providers were asked about their attitudes towards technology and their own computer skills. The impact of setting type on computer placement and rules about their use did not differ very much by setting type. Several factors were associated with the amount of time children were reported to use the computers. Overall, it appears that child care providers had developmentally sensitive guidelines for fostering computer use in both child care settings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This research addressed four basic questions about culture, gender and information technology (IT) use. First, are there differences between Chinese and US children in their computer and Internet use? Second, are there differences between Chinese and US children in their use of other technologies, namely, videogames and cell phones? Third, does gender moderate the influence of culture on the use of computers, the Internet and other technologies? Fourth, are there differences among subcultural groups within cultures in their IT use? Using samples of 600 Chinese and 600 US children whose average age was 12 years old, findings indicated cultural and gender differences in technology use as well as interactions between the two. US children used computers and the Internet more than did Chinese children, with Chinese females being the least intense users. Males played videogames more than did females, with US males playing more than did Chinese males. US females lead all other groups in cell phone use, whereas Chinese females were least likely to use them. Racial and ethnic group differences indicate that diversity within cultural groups among subcultures must be considered in understanding children’s IT use. Implications of cultural, gender and subcultural group differences in technology use for equity in access to technology and educational interventions for children in the use of technology are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Studies that address the problems associated with computer anxiety are abundant; however, fewer studies took into account multivariate nature of the construct. Moreover, studies focusing on high school students are even more limited. Thus, the present study investigated the multivariate effects of gender, ownership, and the frequency of computer use on computer anxiety levels, after controlling for the possible effects of trait anxiety among 715 Turkish high school students. The Computer Anxiety Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were used to assess computer anxiety and state and trait anxiety levels, respectively. A 2 X 2 X 3 between-subjects factorial multivariate analysis of covariance was used on three dependent variables that are the three dimensions of computer anxiety: Affective Anxiety, Damaging Anxiety, and Learning Anxiety. Independent variables are gender, ownership (i.e., yes or no), and the frequency of computer use (i.e., everyday, several times a week, or once a week or less). Results showed a significant covariate effect of trait anxiety, significant main effects for gender, ownership, and the frequency of computer use on the dependent variables. No three-way or two-way interaction was detected. After the descriptive and comparative analyses, specific suggestions were provided based on the results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The current work investigates the use of interface agents as anthropomorphic social models to influence young women’s negative beliefs and low self-efficacy regarding engineering. Experiment 1 focused on the impact of agent model visual presence vs. voice alone for changing the women’s beliefs. Based on literature on human social models we hypothesized that the visual presence of the interface agent would result in more positive attitudes toward engineering and greater self-efficacy than the presence of a human voice alone. Experiment 2 focused on the impact of model appearance-related characteristics for changing the women’s beliefs. Previous work with human social models suggests that people are more persuaded by models that are similar to them. Therefore, models that were young, female, and “cool” were predicted to be more effective in influencing young women’s attitudes. In accordance with our hypothesis, results revealed that participants who interacted with the visible agents reported significantly greater utility for engineering, greater self-efficacy, and greater interest in engineering-related fields than those who interacted with a human voice. In addition, the agent models that were similar to the young women tended to be the most effective for positively influencing the women’s stereotypes and self-efficacy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Shyness is a debilitating experience for a large proportion of the population. Shyness can be defined as a form of excessive self-focus, a preoccupation with one’s thoughts, feelings, and physical reactions and may vary from mild social awkwardness to total social inhibition. This article explores shyness, its prevalence and effects and examines the role of the internet in the experience and expression of shyness. Compared to research on shyness in the offline world, empirical work on shyness online is relatively scarce. Nevertheless, the research that does exist can be categorized into two seemingly contradictory positions. The first position views the internet as an isolating medium, attractive to shy people and enhancing shyness. The second position describes the internet as an empowering medium, offering opportunities to experience disinhibition and social competence. This paper considers how the two positions might be reconciled. In addition, in order to reduce inconsistencies in the literature and to determine how shy people use the internet, it is suggested that more research, incorporating objective measures and experimental methodologies, is needed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present paper is intended to introduce behavioral researchers to Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), a widely spreading but largely unknown epidemic among professional and ordinary computer users, and to call for behavioral research programs to help computer users address this visual epidemic. Beginning with three clinical cases, the paper analyzes the classic definition of CVS, discusses the prevalence of CVS, reviews five major symptoms of CVS (i.e. eyestrain, headache, blurred vision, dry eyes, and neck/back pain), summarizes five types of contributing factors of CVS (i.e. computer screens, computer environments, human eyes, computer users, and computer tasks), and presents basic preventive and treatment strategies. Finally, three future research directions for behavioral science research are briefly discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The importance and use of computers has increased dramatically over the last two decades. The Attitudes Towards Computer Usage Scale (ATCUS) was developed in 1986 [Popovich, P. M., Hyde, K. R., Zakrajsek, T., & Blumer, C. (1987). The development of the attitudes toward computer usage scale. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 47, 261–269.] and used in a variety of settings over the years. In order to examine how computer attitudes have changed from 1986 to 2005, the ATCUS was given to 254 male and female current undergraduate students. When comparing the 1986 with 2005 results, the amount of time spent using a computer was still positively related to computer attitudes; however, the number of college computer courses was not. There is no longer a significant relationship among any of the factors with college computer courses. Males and females no longer significantly differ in their attitudes toward computers, number of college computer courses, amount of time spent using computers, or degree of self-reported computer anxiety. Implications are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The primary purpose of this study was to examine beliefs contributing to student teachers’ and experienced teachers’ intentions to use computer applications in their curricula. The secondary purpose was to investigate the efficacy of the decomposed theory of planned behavior for predicting such intentions. A purposeful sample of 19 teachers participated in semi-structured interviews. Results showed that both student and experienced teachers were motivated to use computers to prepare students for real world experiences. Although both groups reported high computer confidence, they expressed limitations in their usage. Student teachers focused on use of the Internet and not on using a variety of computer applications as tools for teaching and learning. Experienced teachers depended on both equipment resources and personal support from school administrators to successfully integrate technology into their classroom. Both teacher groups expressed the need for more computer-integrated training. This research provided support for using the decomposed theory of planned behavior to predict computer intentions and usage for teachers. Assessment of computer usage within any profession should be based upon a behavior model that complements the profession’s cultural environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Today, laypersons often consult the Internet to inform themselves about health-related issues. However, the competent use of these often complex and heterogeneous information provisions cannot be taken for granted, because many Internet users are lacking the necessary metacognitive prerequisites. Therefore, we developed the metacognitive computer-tool met.a.ware, which supports laypersons’ Internet research for medical information by the means of metacognitive prompting and ontological classification. In an experimental investigation of met.a.ware a total of 118 participants with little medical knowledge were asked to conduct an Internet research on a medical topic. Participants were randomly assigned to four experimental groups that worked with met.a.ware and either received evaluation prompts, monitoring prompts, both types of prompts, or no prompts. All experimental conditions were additionally provided with ontological classification. One control group took paper and pencil notes. A further control group took notes using a blank text window. Results showed that laypersons receiving evaluation prompts outperformed controls in terms of knowledge about sources and produced more arguments commenting on the source of information in an essay task. In addition, laypersons receiving monitoring prompts acquired significantly more knowledge about facts, but did not perform better on a comprehension test than the controls. The availability of ontological categories helped to structure the notes laypersons in the conditions working with ontological classification took during Internet research. Analyses of the notes further demonstrated that the availability of ontological categories guided information search in direction of the selected categories. It is concluded, that met.a.ware is an effective tool that supports laypersons’ Internet research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Many firms have implemented enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems in the past few years. The expensive nature of these systems requires that effective usage of these systems be attained in order for an organization to derive the expected benefits from the technology. This study looks at the influence that perceived usefulness, user involvement, argument for change, prior usage and ease of use have on the behavioral intention to use an ERP system. A mail survey was used to collect data in an organization that was implementing an ERP system. A total of 571 responses were obtained. The results indicate that users perception of the perceived usefulness, ease of use of the technology, and the users’ level of intrinsic involvement all affect their intention to use the technology. The results seem to suggest that managerial efforts aimed at increasing the users’ perceptions of the usefulness and personal relevance of the technology will contribute to implementation success, where success is defined as effectual usage of the technology. The paper ends with possible extensions to this study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper investigates the addition of spatial auditory feedback as a tool to assist people with visual impairments in the use of computers, specifically in tasks involving iconic visual search. In this augmented interface, unique sounds were mapped to visual icons on the screen. As the screen cursor traversed the screen, the user heard sounds of nearby icons, spatially, according to the relative position of each icon with respect to the screen cursor. A software prototype of the design was developed to evaluate the performance of users in the search of icons within the proposed interface. Experiments were conducted with simulated visual impairments on volunteer participants to evaluate if the addition of spatial auditory feedback makes the interface more accessible to users with impaired vision. Results demonstrated that spatialization of icon sounds provides additional remote navigational information to users, enabling new strategies for task completion. Directions for future research are discussed and prioritized. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: One of the undisputed roles of the Internet is information spreading. However, to this day there is little understanding of the interaction between the way in which information is provided on the Internet and the behavior of different human personality types. This article focuses on the impact of the need for cognition on the desired level of interactivity of a given Website and on web surfing in general. For this experiment, four commercialized Websites were used: (1) flat with no hyperlinks and no time pressure; (2) flat with time pressure; (3) interactive [1] Interactivity in this paper refers to the fact that a person surfing on the net is actually interacting with the website so that each surfer is likely to create a different interaction according to his personality and needs. 1 with no time pressure; and (4) interactive with time pressure. All of the Websites contained identical information presented in different ways. The relations between need for cognition as a personality variable, time pressure as a situational stressor, the interactivity of the Web site, and several demographic variables were examined on Internet users’ behavior while surfing and on their preferences. One hundred and eighty-two experienced Web surfers took part in the experiment and were randomly assigned to one of the Websites. The number of hyperlinks used while surfing were counted by specially designed software. After surfing, the participants completed questionnaires regarding their satisfaction from the site, their willingness to return to the site, how persuasive the site was, and demographic data. It was predicted that people with high need for cognition would be more experienced in the Internet, use more hyperlinks, and stay longer in the site. People with a low need for cognition were predicted to prefer interactive over linear sites. Results support the preferences of people low in need for cognition of an interactive site. Other predictions were supported only partially. Implementations for Website design and further research are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Today, technology users are faced with a multitude of different interfaces for computer applications, web sites, vehicle navigation, and cellular phones. In most cases, training to use these technologies is minimal or none and is left up to the user to learn the use of the technology at hand. Subsequently, their initial impression, which is dependent on how successful they can achieve simple tasks during their self-directed learning process, plays an important role in their intention to adopt the technology. Many users have trouble learning and remembering information presented on the screen. Disorientation and cognitive loading are two primary cognitive conditions that may be used to learn more about human behavior while using different type of interfaces. This paper presents the results of an experiment on computer user’s behavior while using one of two types of software interfaces: a menu-driven and an icon-based interfaces. Disorientation and cognitive loading theories are used to explain observations. A research model based on the technology acceptance model is used. Results show a strong relationship between performance and perceptions. The mediating effects on the different interfaces on perceptions are evident and significant considering that perceptions have been shown to predict computer user’s attitudes towards their intentions to use a technology. The experiment demonstrated the need to consider standard consistent interfaces when training is not provided. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study examines the factorial structure of self-efficacy and the relationship among different levels of self-efficacy (i.e., generalised, professional and computer) and psychological well-being and training among Information and Communication Technology (ICT) workers. The sample was made up of 496 workers from different occupational sectors using ICT in their jobs and a subsample of these workers who were trained in ICT. Results show that (1) the generalised-specific structure is maintained in the three levels as expected but in fours factors: i.e., generalised self-efficacy, professional self-confidence, achieving professional objectives and computer self-efficacy. (2) There is a negative and significant relationship between self-efficacy and different psychological well-being indicators. (3) Computer attitudes moderated the relationship between computer training (i.e., number of training hours) and professional self-confidence. So far, workers with high positive attitude towards ICT, when number of hours are high, their levels of professional self-confidence increase, but it depends on the number of training hours (i.e. more training hours, more self-confidence). However, workers with low levels of positive attitude towards ICT experimented a decrease in professional self-confidence. In conclusion, training has not a direct influence on self-efficacy but moderated by type of training. Limitations of the study and practical implications of these findings are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Past research has demonstrated that the level of computer experience users have is the most valuable predictor in whether or not they will suffer computer anxiety symptoms, but this was not the case in the present study. No research was found which examined the correlates of computer anger symptoms. In the current study, the relationship between the computer use (frequency and duration), computer experience, and self-efficacy beliefs of users were analyzed as predictors for computer anxiety and anger symptoms. Questionnaire data from a sample of 242 university students were analyzed. The results indicated that computer self-efficacy beliefs, not computer experience or use, had the largest significant relationship with both computer anxiety, and anger. It is suggested that self-efficacy beliefs be increased so that users may experience lower levels of anxiety and anger. These findings are contrary to the trend of training computer users in specific computer domains. As computer anxiety and anger are negative psychological “states”, an immediate method to deal with these negative emotions should be developed. One possibility that is explored is the application of computer-based therapy that can be used while a user is experiencing negative emotional symptoms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To explore the determinants of the success of applying computing technology to computer-related work, this study proposed a theoretical model that adopts individual satisfaction as a surrogate for the success of computer learning. Based on social cognitive theory (SCT) and competence-related literature, this study considered self-efficacy, computer competence, and near-term and long-term consequences as the determinants of individual satisfaction with computer use. The research model was tested using a questionnaire survey of 367 IT-related senior undergraduate students in five colleges. The empirical results identified self-efficacy as a strong and positive antecedent of competence, and confirmed the positive effects of self-efficacy on perceived consequences. Additionally, computer competence was found to affect individual satisfaction with computer use directly and indirectly. Moreover, perceived consequences influenced individual satisfaction more than did competence. Overall, this study provided empirical results involved theoretical explanations for understanding the effects of self-efficacy and competence on computer learning behavior. The limitations of the present study were discussed for researchers and practitioners. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]