ABSTRACT

This paper explores the relationship between certain psychological and physiological parameters of naïve computer users. The impact of naïve users with specialized software and computers are characterized by studying various psychophysiological components with direct consequences on health as well as on performance. Two groups were identified: High Anxiety (HA) and Low Anxiety (LA). Anxiety is considered as a personality dimension that differs from specific anxiety, which is generated by an external environment or situation. This study shows a significant difference between HA and LA groups in their response to specific anxiety. Specific anxiety, especially in HA persons, causes lower performance and lack of trust in the individual and in computers. There are no significant differences between HA and LA groups in terms of physiological parameters, although some modifications appear within the HA group. It seems that computer anxiety may be mediated through blood pressure, while, the personality characteristics of neuroticism and social desirability also appear to be involved. The implications of this finding for computer interface design and educational strategies are suggested.

KEYWORDS: computer anxiety; computer user attitude; HCI; personality and physiological parameters in HCI