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of use, computer anxiety, near-transfer learning,
and far-transfer learning.
Computer selF-eFFiCaCy
Self-Eficacy
researCh model and
hypotheses
The concept of self-efficacy is grounded in social
cognitive theory (Bandura, 1986). It refers to
people's confidence in their abilities to organize
and execute the required skills to perform a be-
havior successfully. It is important to note that
self-efficacy is not concerned about the actual
skills that people may have, but it is concerned
about people's confidence in their ability to use
whatever skills they may have to perform a
behavior successfully. Studies have shown that
individuals who have more confidence in their
abilities tend to exert more effort to perform a
behavior, persist longer to overcome obstacles,
and set more challenging goals than those who
have less confidence in their abilities (Bandura,
1986, 1997).
Figure 1 presents the research model guiding the
present study. The development of this model was
based on self-efficacy and learning theories, train-
ing literature, and empirical IS studies. As Figure
1 shows, the research model posits that general
and application CSE will have positive effects
on perceived ease of use, near-transfer learning,
and far-transfer learning. In addition, the research
model posits that general and application CSE will
have negative effects on computer anxiety.
The present study extends previous research
in several important aspects. First, the study
makes a clear distinction between general and
application CSE and examines both levels of CSE
as determinants of computer training outcomes.
Second, learning performance is examined in
terms of near-transfer and far-transfer learning.
Third, consistent with training literature which
regards trainees' reactions as a major training
outcome (e.g., Tai, 2006), reactions to training
are examined relative to perceived ease of use
and computer anxiety. The research variables
and their relevant hypotheses are discussed and
presented below.
Computer Self-Eficacy
Adapted from the general concept of self-efficacy,
computer self-efficacy (CSE) refers to people's
perceptions about their abilities to use a computer
successfully (Compeau & Higgins, 1995). The
CSE construct has been examined as an anteced-
ent to various computer-related behaviors and
outcomes (e.g., Gist et al., 1989; Venkatesh &
Davis, 1996, Yi & Im, 2004).
In computer training, the results have been
somewhat inconsistent. For example, several stud-
Figure 1. Research model
Perceived ease of use
+
Computer self-efficacy
General
Software-specific
-
Computer anxiety
+
Near-transfer learning
Far-transfer learning
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