The attitudes of university students to new data-processing technology: building a model for analysis

Abstract

An analysis is made of the determinants of students' attitudes to the impact of new data-processing technology on the organization of their work and social life. The factors that underlie their intention to use this technology in their future occupations are also studied. The model for analysis which was created for the study of their attitudes was based on the theory of reflected action. The study was made using students of the Lisbon universities. The results obtained uphold the model used at the outset. The article discusses the role of the processes of social influence in structuring attitudes and cognitive representations on the future as determinants not only of their attitudes but also of their behavioural intentions.