The Effects of Students

Research in Higher Education Journal

The Effects of Students’, Page 1

The effects of students’ knowledge and attitude on the classroom

performance

Ulysses J. Brown, III

Savannah State University

Yonpae Park

Savannah State University

Sungwoo Jung

Columbus State University

ABSTRACT

This study examines the relationship between exogenous variables to dependent

variables of interest regarding the students’ learning of subjects. Specifically, the theoretical

model links prior computer knowledge and computer attitude to the learning of subjects and

students’ computer performance, mediated by computer self-efficacy and spreadsheet selfefficacy.

The model was empirically tested using repeatedly measured responses to a

questionnaire. The empirical technique employs structural equations with latent variables.

Discussions of the implications, limitations, and future research suggestions are followed.

Keywords: computer performance, self-efficacy, computer attitude.

Research in Higher Education Journal

The Effects of Students’, Page 2

INTRODUCTION

Technologies used in business have evolved from manual bookkeeping to the

advanced information technologies over the ages. The fundamental changes brought by

information technology (IT) have significantly changed the way companies operate their

businesses which, in turn, have led to changes in the management records and procedures.

For example, in marketing, technology is a critical factor in every company’s external

environment as well as customer relationship management (CRM). Also the American

Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) has recently stated that accountants need

to change their strategies in reaction to the all-encompassing changes in IT linking business

transactions (AICPA 2001). Even though both accounting regulator and industry have called

for computer knowledge and skills that are taught in accounting education, there is little

research examining the relationship among...