Ethical Use of Information Technology among Students, Presenting a Prediction Model

Abstract

Introduction: Nowadays a great deal of information and scientific knowledge is processed through Information Technology including Internet and E-learning. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the factors affecting the use of IT ethically among university students.Materials and Methods: This study was of a descriptive type, which used a correlational design. The study sample consisted of the students studying at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The sample was selected through accidental stratified method, using Cocharan formula. The data was collected through a researcher made questionnaire, whose validity was approved by experts and whose reliability was found to be 0.88, using Cronbach's alpha. For data analysis, path analysis and LISREL statistical software were used.Results: Three variables of computer including self-efficacy, perceived severity of punishment and subjective norm had a direct effect on needs intensity variable perceived severity of punishment having the greatest effect.Conclusion: Needs intensity, computer self-efficacy, technology specifications, perceived behavioral control, attitude toward ethical use, and perceived severity of punishment, facilitating conditions and ultimately the subjective norm had the highest to the lowest correlation coefficients with the tendency to use IT ethically.

Keywords

• attitude
• technology
• behavior
• morality