Gender Differences In Accounting Student Attitudes And Experience Towards Computers

Abstract

A number of previous studies state females have a less favorable attitude towards and less experience with computers than males.  Because of the recent ability of being able to specialize in accounting information systems (AIS) within the accounting major and because females make up the majority of accounting majors today, the possible gender gap concerning computers is of particular interest in the field of accounting education. This study seeks to determine if attitude and experience differences exist with respect to computers within students taking courses in an accounting curriculum and students concentrating in AIS due to gender.  Using a modified version of the Adapted Bath County Computer Attitude Scale to measure a sample of students' experience with and attitude towards computers, this study found a gender difference in attitudes early in an accounting curriculum, with a failure of finding a gender difference amongst students in AIS courses.  This study also failed to find any gender difference within a sample of students concentrating in AIS.  These results contrast with earlier gender studies, necessitating the need for other studies to be done so as to ensure no gender differences exist with regards to computers within the accounting major.