Sex Differences in Attitudes, Achievement and Use of Computers

While there is much literature suggesting reasons why there are differences between males and females with respect to computer usage, achievement and attitudes, there is a paucity of empirical research. This study discusses a meta-analysis or synthesis of empirical studies and finds small differences in attitude and no differences in achievement between males and females. Two Australian studies are then reported. One study investigated differences between male and female students, parents, and teachers in 32 schools that have been involved with computers for some time. The second study was based on a representative sample of 1000 schools throughout Australia. The research supported the conclusion of small differences in attitudes, but pointed to a polarity in that as many males as females liked computers, but many more girls ardently disliked computers. There were no differences between primary male and female students in usage and attitudes towards computers, but as the students progressed through secondary schools, the differences became marked. Various reasons for these findings are evaluated and some strategies suggested to encourage girls to use computers.