Abstract #300202

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JSM 2003 Abstract #300202
Activity Number: 297
Type: Contributed
Date/Time: Tuesday, August 5, 2003 : 2:00 PM to 3:50 PM
Sponsor: Social Statistics Section
Abstract - #300202
Title: Digital Citizenship: Parameters of the Digital Divide
Author(s): Mack C. Shelley*+
Companies: Iowa State University
Address: 323 Snedecor Hall, Ames, IA, 50011-1210,
Keywords: digital divide ; factor analysis ; structural equation model ; survey research ; computer technology ; technological equity
Abstract:

As part of a National Science Foundation-funded study, we analyze data from a 2002 Midwest urban random sample survey (n=167 adults) of differential access to and uses of computer technology. Factor analysis revealed three dimensions of attitudes toward technology (desire for computer skills, information power, computer use) and two factors regarding government role (digital government, computer access equity). A well-fitted structural equation (LISREL) path model (GFI=.98; AGFI=.94; NFI=.90) showed several key results. As education declined, desire for computer skills increased. Respondents with higher levels of education were more likely to use computers at home and work. Nonwhites were more likely to report that technological information is key to citizen empowerment and computers should be accessible to all citizens; they also showed increased interest in learning computer skills. Interest in developing computer skills was positively associated with digital citizenship. Viewing technology as a source of informational power was positively related to digital government and computer access equity. We explore how the digital divide may be reduced and greater technological equity established.

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