Gender Difference in Computer Skills Reference: Shotick, J, & Stephens, P. R. (2006). Gender Inequalities of Self-Efficacy on Task-Specific Computer Applications in Business. Journal of Education for Business. 81(5), EDTEC 541 ~ Edward K. Beale Article Review

Problem Hypothesis: male and female college students have significantly different opinions of their own skill level regarding various business-related computer tasksWhy should we care? Differences in skill between students affects training development

Context 137 college freshmen –(69 female, 68 male) Private midwestern college –(Bradley University?) Computer use in high school classes: –75% female, 80% male –46% F, 55% M had programming classes All but one had computer(s) at home

Context Given 21 metrics: specific tasks done with computers – , Chat –Word Processing, Spreadsheets –Powerpoint, database use –FTP, groupware, etc Self-score ability level: –0 = no ability –1 = very low ability  5 = very good ability Averages, then pooled variance t test

Results Differences exist! 8 metrics = no significant difference 13 metrics = p<.05

Results MetricsWhy the difference? –“Communications Functions” (no dif) vs “Technical & Mathematical (dif) –Society’s Gender Schema at work? –Most students (90%) stated they learned skills through self study

Recommendations Conduct objective tests! –Determine actual skill level –Help concentrate on specific training Instructional Designers –Realize there is a perceived difference in skills –Reasonable to carry results to general population of computer users –Deliver training using skills with smallest perceived difference

Questions?