An Integrative Model of Factors Related to Computing Course Performance

Abstract

A path modeling approach is adopted to examine inter-relationships between factors influencing computing behavior and computing course performance. Factors considered are gender, personality, intellect and computer attitudes, ownership, and experience. Among many other conclusions, intrinsic motivation is suggested as a major factor which can explain many variables' relationship with course performance. Similarly to the common finding for non-computing specialist students, a male advantage in previous computing experience is observed, gender differences in computer ownership partially explaining this. In the absence of an attitudinal gender difference, the ownership difference is suggested to stem from the perception of computers as objects stereotypically bought by and for males. However, while having implications with respect to the gender imbalance usually observed on programming-oriented and more technically-oriented applications courses, these differences are not shown to confer a male advantage in course performance.