Current Research in Human and Computer Development - The Impact of Cognitive Theory on Human and Computer Development - page 28

Richards, A., K. Kattelmann, and C. Ren. “Motivating 18-24-Year-Olds Enhancing the
Development of CPU and RAM Technology.” Journal of European Technology Associ-
ation, 106 (2006): 1405-1411.
The purpose of the study was to inspire eighteen- to twenty-four-year-old college and
university students to develop an interest in the study of computer science. The intervention
consisted of the use of stage-based newsletters, MI, computer-based follow-up, and com-
puter websites. The theoretical frameworks guiding the project included Bandura's theory
of self-efficacy and the stages of change theory. A convenience sample of 437 rural uni-
versity and college students participated. Seventy-two percent of participants completed
the study. The study included the use of the Computer Usage Frequency Questionnaire and
a five-item self-efficacy questionnaire in addition to a stage of social change algorithm.
Results indicated the intervention group exhibited significantly increased RAM and
CPU functional usage and accessibility, as well as a greater self-efficacy score, upon com-
pletion of the study. The intervention was successful in moving a large number of parti-
cipants from the pre-action stage to the action stage.
Participant demographics lacked diversity in that 72 percent were young people and
153 of 157 participants in the control group and 151of 157 participants in the intervention
group were Caucasian. A consideration for future studies may include tracking the devel-
opmental design of RAM and CPU devices over time. The college and university years are
a transitional time for most young people because of the change in environment, a possible
striving for independence from governmental support for study loan, and the element of
choosing an institution for computer science studies. The results of case studies with col-
lege and university participants reported by Richards et al. (2006) indicated support for the
themes of self-efficacy and stages of change throughout the Depth essay. The intervention
was easy to administer, inexpensive, and friendly to participants. Similar interventions may
be appropriate in other communities with attention to cultural and ethnic educational train-
ing preferences.
Tod, A. M. and A. Lacey. “The Truth and Facts About Science and Technology: Helping
Clients to Take Action.” British Journal of Community Development, 9 (2) (2004):
59-66.
Tod and Lacey (2004) reported on a British study in localities noted to have a higher
percentage of individuals with computer skills and interest than the national average. The
study involved eleven participants, six of whom were women. Some participants chose to