Self-concept related to information and communication technology: Scale development and validation

Abstract

Competence-related self-concepts (i.e., an individual's self-perceived competence in general and specific domains) are important predictors of performance, behavior, motivation, and well-being in different areas of life. With growing digitalization, self-concept (SC) related to the use of information and communication technology (ICT) is a focus of research across disciplines. To be able to assess ICT-SC theoretically and empirically based on an integrative ICT competence framework and self-concept research with a broad application field, in the present study, we develop a 25-item scale in the German language (ICT-SC25g) using NS1–S4 = 1541 and in the English language (ICT-SC25e) using NS5 = 483. The ICT-SC25g/e measures general and domain-specific ICT-SC (communicate, process and store, generate content, safe application, solve problems) in the adult population (18–69 years) across contexts (private life, work, education). The results indicate good reliability (internal consistency, test-retest reliability). Confirmatory factor analyses support factorial validity and theory-consistent relations with personality traits (e.g., emotional stability) and technology-related measures (e.g., frequency of ICT use, technophobia) confirm construct validity. The scale shows strict measurement invariance across gender and countries. We discuss the application of the ICT-SC25g/e in disciplines that focus on humans interacting with ICT, namely education, human resources, technology acceptance, and public health.

Keywords

• ICT self-Concept
• Competence self-belief
• Scale development
• Scale validation
• ICT competence
• Technology acceptance