Having identified and selected the constructs suitable for the research, a conceptual framework was developed to guide the study towards understanding how older adults adopt and use tablet devices. This conceptual framework was termed the framework for tablet device adoption (FTDA) and it is presented in figure 17.
Figure 17: The framework for tablet device adoption (FTDA)
[Compiled by the researcher]
Figure 17 is provided to demonstrate the conceptual relationship between the selected constructs. From figure 17, it can be observed that the hypotheses generated for this study is also stated on the conceptual framework diagram. Subsequently, each of the constructs selected for the study along with the relevant hypothesis associated with it is discussed in details below.
Compatibility (COMP): According to Rogers (1995), compatibility is the extent to which
an innovation conforms to an individual’s existing values, past experiences and needs. In order to adopt and use a new technology, potential adopters have to change and learn new behaviours (Sheng, 2012). Therefore, potential adopters usually require the new technology to be compatible with their existing lifestyle or cultural norm otherwise; this will result in a
Compatibility Perceived usefulness Perceived ease of use Attitude Trust Resource facilitating conditions Technology facilitating conditions Self-efficacy Primary influence Subjective Norm Perceived behavioural control Secondary influence Intention to use tablets Actual use of tablets H1 H2 H3 H4 H5 H6 H7 H8 H9
slower adoption rate (Sheng, 2012; Koenig-Lewis et al., 2010). A few studies have highlighted the significance of compatibility in determining attitude and intention to adopt ICT (Shaikh and Karjaluoto, 2015; Koenig-Lewis et al., 2010). However, consistent with the rationale and application in DTPB, the compatibility construct will be allocated to the attitude variable and will be measured with two items, which are presented in table 10. To address the compatibility construct, the following hypothesis (H1) was created.
H1: Compatibility has a significant effect on an individual’s attitude towards adopting
and using a tablet device.
Perceived usefulness (PU): This construct is originally from TAM and it refers to the extent
to which using technology will increase productivity and aid in the achievement of a desired goal (Lu et al., 2005; Koenig-Lewis et al., 2010). Several studies have shown that perceived usefulness is a significant factor that drives intention to use as well as aids the formation of attitude (Taylor and Todd, 1995; Horst et al., 2007; Shaikh and Karjaluotu, 2015). For this current study, perceived usefulness will be an antecedent of attitude and will be measured with three items, also presented in table 10. In relation to perceived usefulness, the following hypothesis (H2) was generated.
H2: Perceived usefulness will significantly influence an individual’s attitude towards
adopting and using a tablet device.
Perceived ease of use (PEOU): The usability of ICT is an important factor considered by
users especially older adults during the process of adoption decision-making (Coughlin et al., 2007). For clarification purposes, usability is defined as the ease with which a technological artefact is learnable and usable (Nielsen, 2003; Dubey and Rana, 2010). According to Davis et al. (1989); Lu et al. (2005), the ease or difficulty which consumers experience with using technology is the focal point that determines the success or failure of the technology. For this reason, the perceived ease of use of the tablet device is an important aspect to examine in this study. Similar to perceived usefulness, the perceived ease use construct is also originally
from TAM and it refers to a user’s perception of how much effort is required to use a technology (Davis et al., 1989). In other words, the less the physical and mental efforts perceived in using technology, the greater the prospects of adopting the technology (Lu et al., 2005). Some studies have tested the construct as a direct influence on intention to use (Venkatesh and Davis, 2000), some as an influence on attitude (Taylor and Todd, 1995) while some others have postulated that it has an influence on perceived usefulness (Davis et al., 1989). For this current study, the perceived ease of use construct will determine the attitude towards using tablet devices and thus, will be measured with three items, which are provided in table 10. To address this construct, the following hypothesis (H3) was developed.
H3: Perceived ease of use will significantly influence an individual’s attitude towards
adopting and using a tablet device.
Trust (TRU): As previously mentioned, trust is a fundamental factor wherever
apprehension, risk and uncertainty are concerned (Horst et al., 2007). According to Koenig- Lewis et al. (2010), trust is interlinked with risk in the sense that the need for trust only arises when one is trying to overcome anxieties that are related to perceived risk. In this case, it will be related to the belief that technology in the form of tablet devices will be safe to use as well as the belief that it will do what it is expected to do. Previous studies have also revealed that trust is a key factor for assessing ICT adoption and use pattern especially among the older population (Vroman et al., 2015; Heinz, 2013; Shin, 2010). Considering this, the trust construct will be used as an antecedent of attitude towards using and the intention to use a tablet device. This was measured using four items, all presented in table 10. Based on the above, the following hypotheses (H4 and H5) were generated.
H4: An individual’s perception of trust significantly affects his/her attitude towards
H5: An individual’s perception of trust significantly affects his/her intention to adopt
and use a tablet device.
Attitude (ATT): The attitude construct is classified as an emotional factor and has been identified as a key predictor of a person’s behavioural intention towards ICT adoption and usage (Taylor and Todd, 1995). Attitude is defined as an individual’s response towards a concept or performing certain behaviour (Chau and Hu, 2001). It is a person’s salient belief regarding the consequences of carrying out an action (Ajzen, 2002). According to Löckenhoff & Carstensen (2007), the emotional factors associated with individuals, as well as their specific goals impact significantly on their decisions. In addition, in terms of age and technology adoption, attitude has been identified as a key determinant of behaviour (Hawley- Hague et al., 2014; Neves et al., 2013). In this current study, attitude is used as a determinant of the intention to use tablets and is measured with three items all of which are provided in table 10. Based on this, the following hypothesis (H6) was created.
H6: An individual’s attitude towards using a tablet device directly influences his/her intention to adopt and use the device.
Subjective norm (SN): Subjective norm posits that a person’s behaviour is based on the
influence of important people in their life (Taylor and Todd, 1995). In other words, if a person perceives that most people who are important to them think they should act in a particular way, then, they are motivated to comply (Venkatesh and Davis, 2000). Moreover, the rationale behind subjective norm is that the adoption of ICT is generally associated with uncertainties. In dealing with these uncertainties, potential adopters often look for information from either a primary source such as family or a secondary such as media prior to making a decision (Taylor and Todd, 1995; Venkatesh and Davis, 2000). Originally from TRA, SN is included as an antecedent of behavioural intention to use. Studies that have examined subjective norm as a determinant of intention have generated contrasting results. For instance, Chau and Hu (2001) found it insignificant in determining behavioural intention
while, Greenslade and White (2005) found it significant in determining the behavioural intention of older adults. This study however will assess SN as a determinant of intention to use and it is measured with three items, which are presented in table 10. Based on this, the following hypothesis (H7) was developed.
H7: Subjective norm has a significant effect on an individual’s intention to adopt and
use a tablet device.
Perceived behavioural control (PBC): This construct refers to the level of one’s perception
with regards to the access to resources and opportunities required for performing a specific behaviour (Ajzen, 1991). The rationale behind this construct is that a person’s behaviour is often dependent on how much resources as well as confidence the person has at their disposal to perform the required action (Taylor and Todd, 1995). Moreover, it is the belief that certain control factors may facilitate or hinder the performance of an action. In this study, this construct is used as a determinant of the intention to use and is measured with three items, which are provided in table 10. Considering this, the hypothesis (H8) shown below was generated to address this construct.
H8: Perceived behavioural control has a direct effect on an individual’s intention to
adopt and use a tablet device.
Intention to use tablet device (INT): According to Ajzen (1991); Taylor and Todd (1995),
the combination of attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control results in the formation of behavioural intention. In other words, the intention to perform any action is often dependent on these three factors (Ajzen, 2002). However, because adopting technology poses several uncertainties, it is necessary to consider trust along with ATT, SN and PBC. Therefore, in this study, the behaviour intention or intention to use tablet device is dependent on attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control and trust. This construct was measured using three items, all provided in table 10. Furthermore, an individual’s need to carrying out their intentions given the opportunity often results in the actual behaviour
(Ajzen, 2002). In other words, behaviour intention is the direct antecedent of actual behaviour. In this study, actual use (AC) was measured using five measurement items, which are presented in table 24. Considering the above discussion on intention and actual use, the following hypothesis (H9) was created.
H9: An individual’s intention behaviour towards a tablet determines their actual use of
the tablet
Furthermore, considering that the research is focused on older adult’s behaviour in terms of adopting and using tablet devices, it is important to consider the age factor in this study. Therefore, consistent with UTAUT, this study will use age as a moderator. This study will also assess whether age has a direct effect on the adoption and use of tablet devices. In addition, considering that aging is also often associated with health issues (Heart and Kalderon, 2013), this study will also examine whether health status has a direct influence on the adoption and use of tablet devices. In addition, health status will also be used as a moderator. Furthermore, gender and education will also be used as moderators for the study. This is because, these two variables have been found to be essential demographic factors that often impact on adoption and use behaviour (Hur et al., 2014).
2.8 Summary of chapter
This chapter reviewed relevant literature relating to mobile/tablet devices and older adults. Initially, to complete this chapter, a general review of literature was undertaken using search engines such as Google scholar and Web of Science among others. During this process, more information regarding studies on adoption, use and diffusion of technology were discovered, in particular with reference to tablet devices. For instance, the review of literature suggested that tablet devices could potentially improve the use of the Internet because of its inherent features. However, it was noted that studies on the adoption, use and diffusion of these tablet device were limited. Furthermore, studies specifically relating to the adoption and use of tablet devices among older adults were found to be even more limited. This led to the
identification of a research gap and in turn led to the generation of this research’s problem or aim, which is provided in section 1.2. Moreover, considering that the research problem is focused on older adults, studies on the digital divide and ageing were also reviewed.
Consequently, to tackle the research problem, theories investigating technology adoption and usage were also reviewed (see section 2.6). From the review of these theories, it was observed that theories such as TAM had been used excessively, which suggested that a diverse perspective was needed for this study. As a result, the diverse perspective included in this study is trust as well as the consideration of age, gender, education and health status as moderating factors. Thus, this then finally led to the formation of the conceptual framework, definition of constructs and the development of the hypotheses for this study.
Furthermore, to verify and validate the conceptual framework developed in section 2.7 as well as the hypotheses; a research methodology is required. Therefore, the next chapter provides detailed discussion on the research methodology applied in this study.
Chapter 3: Research Methodology
3.0 Introduction to chapter
In chapter 2, a critical review of literature was conducted and theories often used in adoption and use of IS studies were identified. This aided in the selection of suitable constructs for developing the conceptual framework or model of this study. However, to put these theories in practice as well as answer the research questions, it is essential to identify a suitable research method and this will subsequently aid in testing the hypotheses of the study. Considering this, the discussion on research methodology in this chapter is guided by the research ‘onion’, which was proposed by Saunders et al. (2009). Saunders et al. (2009) suggests that the research ‘onion’ provides researchers with a step-by-step guide on the research processes. Figure 18 provides a visual representation of the research ‘onion’.
Figure 18: Research ‘onion’
From Figure 10, it can be observed that there are six processes or layers that should be considered when attempting to answer the research question(s) in a study. These processes include philosophies, approaches, strategies, choices, time horizon and techniques and procedures. Saunders et al. (2009) suggests that it is important for researchers to consider the first five layers because these aspects help to inform the central point of the research ‘onion’, which is the data collection and analysis procedures. In view of this, this chapter will start off with providing information regarding a research and research methodology in general terms. It will also discuss existing paradigms, how these paradigms link to epistemology, ontology and methodology and subsequently, the paradigm that applies to this study will be determined. In addition, this chapter will discuss the different methods employed in research projects for data collection and will identify the one used in this study. Discussion on the research site will also be provided. Furthermore, the technique used for the analysis of the research data will be discussed. Overall, the research processes considered suitable for the study is provided in this chapter.