Student Intention to Use Expert Systems: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

This paper examined factors that influenced end-user intention to use expert systems (ES). In this study, we proposed and empirically tested an extension of the technology acceptance model (TAM) by including the factors of perceived reliability and perceived quality of ES. Our extended TAM was built on the premise that individuals' attitudes toward ES impact their intentions to use ES. The perceived reliability of ES is hypothesized to influence the perceived quality of ES, which in turn impacts the attitude toward ES. Perceived ease of use directly and indirectly impacts attitude through perceived usefulness of ES. Additionally, control variables, such as end-user knowledge about ES and prior experience with ES, were considered in the proposed model. A Structural Equation Model (SEM), using LISREL, was employed to test the measurement and structural model using a convenience sample of students. Strong support was found for all proposed hypotheses. The results showed that perceived reliability of ES had an indirect effect on attitudes toward use of ES, through the perceived quality of ES, which had a direct impact on attitude. Additionally, the findings indicated that perceived ease of use had direct and indirect effects on attitude toward using ES through perceived usefulness of ES, which had direct impact on attitude. Moreover, attitude toward ES had a direct impact on behavioral intention to use ES. Research and managerial implications were reported.