Assessing computer anxiety: Development and validation of the Computer Anxiety Rating Scale

摘要

Despite the growing role of computers in society, some individuals may actually avoid and resist learning about computers due to their anxiety. The present study was conducted in order to develop and validate the Computer Anxiety Rating Scale (CARS), by examining the behavioral, cognitive, and affective components of computer anxiety. The CARS was shown to be a reliable and valid measure. Higher levels of computer anxiety were related to greater math and test anxiety, and to less computer experience and mechanical interest. During an actual computer interaction, greater computer anxiety was associated with lower expectations and poorer task performance, as well as with greater state anxiety, reported physiological arousal, and debilitative thoughts. These results are consistent with a cognitive-attentional theory of computer anxiety and suggest directions for future research. Consistent differences between women and men on indices of computer anxiety were not found.