Mental Models of Computers as a Function of Sex and Perceived Trust

Abstract

Participants completed a measure of computer trust and generated responses to the question, “What is like a computer?” These responses were coded as one of seven types ranging from being perceptually similar to sharing similar functions to being cognitively similar. Computer trust scores were associated with generating more responses, particularly of a functional nature. However, further analyses showed that participant sex moderated this effect, with computer trust associated with functional analogies for males, but perceptual analogies for females. The results suggest that computer trust and mental models may develop together and should be considered as important variables in the design and training for future technology.