| The study identified variables that predict computer anxiety and negative attitudes toward computers. Computer anxiety was measured using Maurer and Simonson's (1984) Computer Anxiety Index (CAIN). General computer attitudes were assessed using the Zoltan and Chapanis' (1982) semantic differential scale. Predictor variables included were: leadership style, as measured by the Fiedler (1967) Least Preferred Co-worker (LPC), and sex role, as measured by Bem's (1981b) Sex Role Inventory (BSRI), gender, age, years of experience, felt need for computer training, learned use of a computer, computer experience, stress associated with computer applications, computer availability, length of, and the method of computer training. The 53% female sample of 208 K-12 administrators from seven states was composed of 57% principals, and 55% had more years of executive experience.; Significant differences were found between levels of computer anxiety and attitudes toward computers of administrators with different sex roles. There was no indication that feminine sex typed females were more negative about computers or more computer anxious. However, masculine sex typed males had significantly more negative computer attitudes than androgynous males or females. Leadership style was a significant predictor and correlate of computer anxiety. Task-motivated leaders were higher in masculinity than relationship-motivated executives.; Although the amount of variability explained by sex role and leadership style was small, both were more closely related than gender to computer anxiety and attitudes toward computers. Gender did not predict computer anxiety or attitudes toward computers. Age was a significant predictor of computer anxiety but not for computer attitudes. Stress to keep up with computerized applications accounted for more of the variance on the attitude than anxiety construct.; Computer experience was the best computer-related predictors. Over 69% of respondents indicate that they have learned to use a computer, 70% had a computer available in their immediate work area, but only 42% actually use a computer at work. Over 21% got nervous just thinking about computers, 36% sometimes feel intimidated when they have to use a computer, but only 11% of administrators had a high levels of computer anxiety. |
