COMPUTER INTERACTION: EFFECT ON ATTITUDES AND PERFORMANCE IN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

This study assessed older adults' attitudes toward computer technology, tested the effect of computer interaction on attitudes toward computer technology, and compared older adults' performance (time and errors) and cautiousness on a cognitive task presented via computer versus paper‐and‐pencil formats. In an initial session, 60 older adults completed Wagman's (1983) Cybernetics Attitude Survey (CAS). Their CAS scores were compared with those of a young adult group. In a second session the 60 older adults were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: cognitive computer, cognitive paper‐and‐pencil, and fun computer. The CAS was administered again immediately following the treatment intervention. Statistical analyses indicated that older adults' pretreatment CAS attitude scores were not significantly different from the attitude scores of young adult undergraduates. The treatment intervention had no significant effect on the older adults' computer attitudes, which remained consistent with pretreatment levels. A comparison of number of errors and time needed by older adults in the cognitive computer and cognitive paper‐and‐pencil treatment groups indicated no significant difference. Similarly, the degree of cautiousness exhibited by the two groups as measured by betting strategy was no different. While further research with different tasks and a broader segment of the older adult population is necessary, the present results do not support the stereotype of older adults as resistant to computer technology or as experiencing difficulty in using this technology.