Computer Testing in a Paper World: The Role of Encoding Specificity and Computer Self-Efficacy in Recall Accuracy

Indianapolis, IN

Previous research has shown that increased motivation maybe an outcome of the implementation of technology in the classroom, however, research on whether technology had an effect on student performance has had mixed results. The proposed study is designed to assess the effect of computer self-efficacy and medium specificity on a recall performance test. The recall manipulation had a study phase and a testing phase using two levels (computer vs. paper) to measure differences in recall accuracy. It was hypothesized, in accordance with the encoding specificity principal, that participants tested on a format similar to their study format would have a higher score on the recall performance test than students in a mismatch condition. Secondly, we hypothesized that students with higher computer self-efficacy would perform better than students with low computer self-efficacy on computer conditions. Hypotheses were not fully supported, but gender differences were found. Women performed better across testing conditions, and men had a higher computer-self efficacy. Findings and implications were discussed.