The Subjective Technology Adaptivity Inventory (STAI): A motivational measure of technology usage in old age

Our research explores inter-individual differences related to perceived personal adaptivity in technological environments among older adults. In two separate studies, we report findings based on the Subjective Technology Adaptivity Inventory (STAI) – a measure of inter-individual differences in the motivation to use technology. The first study involved an online sample of 1,482 participants between 60 and 91 years of age (M=68.4, SD=5.7) and investigated the psychometric quality of the measurement model. The second study was based on a paper-and-pencil sample of 163 participants between 58 and 87 years of age (M=68.6, SD=6.0) and examined the predictive validity of the instrument. The results support the psychometric quality of the instrument and its ability to predict the perceived competence to use technology and the actual usage of modern technology among older adults. Practical applications of the instrument and directions for future research are discussed.

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