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Gender Difference in Computer Skills

This article reviews a study conducted by Shotick and Stephens (2006), exploring gender inequalities in self-efficacy related to computer skills among college freshmen. Analyzing data from 137 students at a private Midwestern college, the study identifies significant differences in self-assessed abilities in various business-related computer tasks. The findings reveal that while communication functions show no significant variation between genders, technical and mathematical tasks do. The authors suggest conducting objective skill assessments to better inform training designs aimed at addressing these disparities.

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Gender Difference in Computer Skills

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  1. Article Review 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), 269-274. EDTEC 541 ~ Edward K. Beale

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. Context • Given 21 metrics: specific tasks done with computers • Email, 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

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

  6. Metrics Why 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 Results

  7. 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

  8. Questions?

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