Abstract

The 20-item Attitudes Toward Computer Usage Scale (ATCUS), which measures feelings or behaviors toward a variety of computer usage situations, was administered to 184 older adults and 235 young adults. It was hypothesized that the young adults would reveal more positive attitudes toward computers than would the older respondents. A stepwise multiple discriminant analysis revealed 11 ATCUS items that were significant discriminators between the two age groups. MANOVA results indicated significant differences on 17 of the 20 ATCUS items, with the older adults indicating a less favorable attitude toward the use of computers. Discussion focused on the need for familiarization with computers and the impact of exposure to computers on the independence of older adults.