Evaluating user Readiness towards Digital Society: A Rasch Measurement Model Analysis

Abstract

Abstract The emergence of the internet has brought about many implications to the already existing media and the way we communicate to one another and do things. Several scholars have conducted studies to understand the factors responsible for technology acceptance. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is one of the much referred models for technology acceptance where perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness are recognized as the two main factors that influence computer usage behavior. Subsequently, there have been several studies aiming at extending and modifying the TAM by proposing additional variables believed to contribute to the acceptance of technological innovation. This study aims at exploring and testing other factors that have not been explained by Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in determining the acceptance of communication and information technology (ICT). A survey was conducted to obtain the necessary primary data from 300 respondents in the Klang Valley, a metropolis consisting of the federal territory of Kuala Lumpur and the state of Selangor. Rasch measurement model is used in analyzing the data in measuring the readiness of the respondents towards being a digital society. Ten constructs are prescribed in the questionnaire to better understand the society and the Internet and its application usage.