Computer anxiety and perception of task complexity in learning programming-related skills

The purpose of the study was to investigate how computer anxiety is associated with computer task complexity in teaching and learning computer programming and related skills. The study also examined the effects of computer confidence and computer liking on user perception of task complexity. The study referred to the literature concerning whether enhancing computer experience may be the remedy of computer anxiety. Based on the data regarding different computer task levels, the study identified and tested the regression models using path analysis. The result of the study indicates that computer confidence had significant effects on user perception of task complexity while the effects of computer liking were minimal. At various task levels, increasing computer experience may help reduce computer anxiety. The individuals at a lower task level had less adequate estimation of task complexity than those at higher task levels, and thus were more likely to be subject to occurrence of computer anxiety. The study recommends that in teaching and learning computer programming and related skills, enhancing the knowledge and understanding of task complexity is necessary. It can help computer learners and users, especially at lower skill levels, in dealing with computer anxiety. 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.