General and Specific Computer Self-Efficacy

Abstract

Computer self-efficacy is known to operate at multiple levels, from application-specific sub-domains like spreadsheets to a judgment of ability for the entire computing domain (general computer self-efficacy- GCSE). Conventional wisdom and many recent studies contend that the level of self-efficacy (specific to general) should match the level of its related constructs to maximize predictive power (Bandura, 1997; Chen, et al., 2001; Pajares, 1996). This thinking claims, for example, that GCSE should be used with a general attitude like computer anxiety (and vice versa). This study examines whether such a limitation is theoretically and empirically sound, given that SE judgments generalize across domains. Results indicate any self-efficacy judgment (specific or general) significantly relates to both general and domain-specific constructs. These results suggest that an individual’s cognitive processing of ability level is multi-faceted; that is, every SE judgment consists of general and specific components. The implication is that CSE is simultaneously generalizable and formative in nature. The results also suggest that the relationship between general and specific CSE is mediated by one’s ability level in the specific domain.