A Comparison of Four Computer Attitude Scales

Abstract

Ninety-eight student teachers enrolled in an introductory computer course were simultaneously administered four computer attitude scales. The responses were used to compare the reliability, dimensionality and construct validity of the four scales. All were found to give a reliable measure of general attitudes toward computers and their use. The scales primarily evaluated three attitude dimensions: Computer Anxiety, Computer Liking and Social and Educational Impact of Computers. One scale, the Computer Use Questionnaire, sampled only the last of these three dimensions and seems to be particularly appropriate for evaluating attitudes related to the impact of computers. Another, the Computer Attitude Scale, sampled only the first two of these dimensions making it a particularly appropriate choice to measure the attitudes of computer-novices. The other two, the Computer Survey and the Attitudes Toward Computers, sampled all three dimensions.