Light-hearted negative terminology used in computer education and related skill of noncomputer users

Abstract

Theory suggests that light-hearted but negative phrases and terminology used in computer literature and course titles may have a negative effect on noncomputer users. This study tested the effect of providing the suggestion of a negative dimension of computer ability labelled with a category of "Computer Dummy" and also the relation between computer ability and computer anxiety. The study incorporated 37 noncomputcr users, 17 men and 20 women whose mean age was 52.1 yr. Scores on a self-report questionnaire indicated that 23 of the nonusers responded on the negative dimension of computer ability and included themselves in the category of "Computer Dummy." Also, belief about ability and belief about computer training were associated with computer anxiety for noncomputer users.