An Investigation of Self-Reported Computer Literacy: Is It Reliable?

Research in management information systems often examines computer literacy as an independent variable. Study subjects may be asked to self-report their computer literacy and that literacy is then utilized as a research variable. However, it is not known whether self-reported computer literacy is a valid measure of a subject's actual computer literacy. The research presented in this paper examined the question of whether self-reported computer literacy can be a reliable indication of actual computer literacy and therefore valid for use in empirical research. Study participants were surveyed and asked to self-report their level of computer literacy. Following, subjects were tested to determine an objective measure of computer literacy. The data analysis determined that self-reported computer literacy is not reliable. Results of this research are important for academic programs, for businesses, and for future empirical studies in management information systems.