A meta-analysis of the technology acceptance model

doi:10.1016/j.im.2006.05.003

Information & Management

Volume 43, Issue 6, September 2006, Pages 740-755

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2006.05.003 Get rights and content

Abstract

A statistical meta-analysis of the technology acceptance model (TAM) as applied in various fields was conducted using 88 published studies that provided sufficient data to be credible. The results show TAM to be a valid and robust model that has been widely used, but which potentially has wider applicability. A moderator analysis involving user types and usage types was performed to investigate conditions under which TAM may have different effects. The study confirmed the value of using students as surrogates for professionals in some TAM studies, and perhaps more generally. It also revealed the power of meta-analysis as a rigorous alternative to qualitative and narrative literature review methods.

Section snippets

Summarizing TAM research

Meta-analysis, as used here, is a statistical literature synthesis method that provides the opportunity to view the research context by combining and analyzing the quantitative results of many empirical studies [31]. It is a rigorous alternative to qualitative and narrative literature reviews [80], [108]. In the social and behavioral sciences, meta-analysis is the most commonly used quantitative method [34]. Some leading journals have encouraged the use of this methodology [e.g., 21].

TAM has

Methodology of our study

The papers included in the analysis were identified using “TAM” and “Technology Acceptance Model” as keywords and specifying “article” as the document type in the social science citation index (SSCI) in the fall of 2004. The initial search produced 178 papers. The elimination of irrelevant papers (such as those referring to tamoxifen in pharmacology, transfer appropriate monitoring in experimental psychology and Tam as a family name) produced a total of 134 papers.

This search was supplemented

Analysis

This meta-analysis was conducted on a “random effects” basis. The assumption underlying this was that the samples in individual studies are taken from populations that had varying effect sizes. This appeared to be a more descriptive assumption than the alternative (a “fixed effects” model that assumed that there was a single true effect in the “super population” from which the populations were drawn) [24]. The possible differential effect of moderators across studies, such as the nature of

Conclusions

This meta-analysis of 88 TAM studies involving more than 12,000 observations provided powerful large-sample evidence that:

(a)
The TAM measures (PU,^U, and BI) are highly reliable and may be used in a variety of contexts.
(b)
TAM correlations, while strong, have considerable variability, suggesting that moderator variables can help explain the effects. The experience level of users was shown to be a moderator in a number of studies but was not pursued here because of the difficulty in identifying the

Summary

The meta-analysis rigorously substantiates the conclusion that has been widely reached through qualitative analyses: that TAM is a powerful and robust predictive model. It is also shown to be a “complete mediating” model in that the effect of ease of use on behavioral intention is primary through usefulness.

The search for moderators in terms of type of user and type of use demonstrated that professionals and general users produce quite different results. However, students, who are often used as

William R. King holds the title university professor in the KATZ Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh. He has published more than 300 papers and 15 books in the areas of information systems, management science, and strategic planning. He has served as founding president of the Association for Information Systems, President of TIMS (now INFORMS) and editor-in-chief of the MIS Quarterly.

References (48)

F.D. Davis et al.
A critical assessment of potential measurement biases in the technology acceptance model: three experiments
International Journal of Human-Computer Studies
(1996)
X. Deng et al.
A multi-group analysis of structural invariance: an illustration using the technology acceptance model
Information & Management
(2005)
M.T. Dishaw et al.
Extending the technology acceptance model with task-technology fit constructs
Information & Management
(1999)
M.S. Featherman et al.
Predicting E-services adoption: a perceived risk facets perspective
International Journal of Human-Computer Studies
(2003)
W.R. King et al.
Manager analyst teamwork in management information systems
Business Horizons
(1971)
P. Legris et al.
Why do people use information technology? a critical review of the technology acceptance model
Information & Management
(2003)
J.W. Moon et al.
Extending the TAM for a World-Wide-Web context
Information & Management
(2001)
D. Straub et al.
Testing the technology acceptance model across cultures: a three country study
Information & Management
(1997)
D.J. Barker et al.
Evaluating a spoken dialogue system for recording clinical observations during an endoscopic examination
Medical Informatics and The Internet in Medicine
(2003)
J. Cohen
Statistical Power Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences
(1988)

J. Cohen

A power primer

Psychological Bulletin

(1992)

F.D. Davis

Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology

MIS Quarterly

(1989)

F.D. Davis et al.

User acceptance of computer technology: a comparison of two theoretical models

Management Science

(1989)

F.D. Davis et al.

Toward preprototype user acceptance testing of new information systems: implications for software project management

IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management

(2004)

D. Eden et al.

From the editors: replication, meta-analysis, scientific progress, and AMJ's publication policy

Academy of Management Journal

(2002)

A.P. Field

Meta-analysis of correlation coefficients: a Monte Carlo comparison of fixed- and random-effects methods

Psychological Methods

(2001)

A.P. Field

The problem in using fixed-effects models of meta-analysis on real-world data

Understanding Statistics

(2003)

M. Fishbein et al.

Belief, Attitude, Intention and Behavior: An Introduction to Theory and Research

(1975)

D. Gefen

What makes an ERP implementation relationship worthwhile: linking trust mechanisms and ERP usefulness

Journal of Management Information Systems

(2004)

D. Gefen et al.

Inexperience and experience with online stores: the importance of TAM and trust

IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management

(2003)

G.V. Glass

Primary, secondary, and meta-analysis of research

Educational Researcher

(1976)

B.C. Hardgrave et al.

Investigating determinants of software developers’ intentions to follow methodologies

Journal of Management Information Systems

(2003)

L.V. Hedges et al.

Statistical Methods for Meta-Analysis

(1985)

Cited by (1895)

Knowledge sharing leads to engagement during Covid-19 for online gamers
2024, Information and Management
Online games have emerged as a breath of fresh air in the lives of the current digital generation amidst the backdrop of COVID-19 and subsequent global lockdowns. Within Internet communities, online gamers actively engage in knowledge sharing, exchanging insights and updates on their experiences. This study introduces a model designed for Massive Multiplayer Online Gamers of Travian, focusing on intrinsic factors such as perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and the flow state, supported by the Technology Acceptance Model. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, with lockdowns and quarantine as moderators, this study uses partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) methodology, encompassing 496 gamers, to elucidate the impact of technology acceptance and flow theory on intrinsic motivational factors that drive online gamers' knowledge-sharing activities, underpinning the social protection theory. This pioneering research explores the implications of COVID-19 restrictions on gamers' behavioral patterns, contributing significantly to the existing literature by providing a deeper psychological understanding of the less-explored realm of diverse online gamers' activities during the pandemic.
Determinants of trust in Bitcoin: Literature review and results of a survey study
2024, Telematics and Informatics Reports
The rise of Bitcoin, a decentralized digital currency built on blockchain technology, marks the onset of a novel era in financial transactions and has generated substantial interest among academics and industry professionals. The fundamental notion of trust lies at the core of Bitcoin's success and broad acceptance. It is imperative to better understand the factors influencing trust in Bitcoin for the progression of scholarly advancement and practical implementations. Against this background, this paper explored the fundamental research question of what factors influence trust in Bitcoin. Firstly, we conducted a literature review and examined 22 empirical articles investigating determinants of trust in Bitcoin. Secondly, we conducted a quantitative survey with 372 participants to investigate the top 20 determinants of trust in Bitcoin. We leveraged our literature review results, considering that most examined articles used qualitative methods and often had a broader focus on blockchain technology rather than Bitcoin itself. Our survey results uncovered the perceived nature and strength of the relationship between the 20 factors and trust in Bitcoin, particularly emphasizing how Bitcoin ownership status influenced these findings. In summary, our results contribute to an enhanced understanding of the elements shaping trust in Bitcoin, which is vital both from an academic standpoint and for its practical significance, considering the widespread public interest in Bitcoin.
ARvolution: Decoding consumer motivation and value dimensions in augmented reality
2024, Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services
Recent technological advancements, notably in augmented reality (AR), have disrupted the marketing landscape, arousing interest in immersive experiences for consumers. In particular, AR has emerged as a powerful tool for marketers across various industries for bridging the imagination gap. Despite this potential, many managers grapple with how to strategically integrate AR. The literature on AR marketing highlights its ability to inspire, engage, increase sales, induce impulse buying, and enhance customer–brand relationships. However, a comprehensive understanding of the value AR provides to users remains lacking. This study addresses this gap by applying consumption value theory to identify the dimensions influencing AR usage. By integrating this theory into the technology acceptance model, we establish a coherent framework for analyzing the values driving AR adoption. The study uncovers the importance of convenience value and informational value, in particular, for closing the imagination gap. While emotional hedonic value was only significant for female consumers, there was no statistical support for monetary value and social value in the present study. Thus, this study uncovers motivational values that people seek when they use AR.
Coupling green hydrogen production to community benefits: A pathway to social acceptance?
2024, Energy Research and Social Science
Hydrogen energy technologies are forecasted to play a critical supporting role in global decarbonisation efforts, as reflected by the growth of national hydrogen energy strategies in recent years. Notably, the UK government published its Hydrogen Strategy in August 2021 to support decarbonisation targets and energy security ambitions. While establishing techno-economic feasibility for hydrogen energy systems is a prerequisite of the prospective transition, social acceptability is also needed to support visions for the ‘hydrogen economy’. However, to date, societal factors are yet to be embedded into policy prescriptions. Securing social acceptance is especially critical in the context of ‘hydrogen homes’, which entails replacing natural gas boilers and hobs with low-carbon hydrogen appliances. Reflecting the nascency of hydrogen heating and cooking technologies, the dynamics of social acceptance are yet to be explored in a comprehensive way. Similarly, public perceptions of the hydrogen economy and emerging national strategies remain poorly understood. Given the paucity of conceptual and empirical insights, this study develops an integrated acceptance framework and tests its predictive power using partial least squares structural equation modelling. Results highlight the importance of risk perceptions, trust dynamics, and emotions in shaping consumer perceptions. Foremost, prospects for deploying hydrogen homes at scale may rest with coupling renewable-based hydrogen production to local environmental and socio-economic benefits. Policy prescriptions should embed societal factors into the technological pursuit of large-scale, sustainable energy solutions to support socially acceptable transition pathways.
Consumer acceptance of drone-based technology for last mile delivery
2024, Research in Transportation Economics
Drones are expected to allow faster and more efficient last mile parcel delivery while at the same time reducing relevant costs. This studies’ purpose is to understand what factors influence consumer acceptance in Germany. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model was expand using an incremental approach. The construct performance expectancy was replaced with the three context-specific constructs, environmental performance expectancy, speed expectancy, and relative advantage of contact-free delivery. Four perceived risk constructs (i.e., privacy risk, safety risk, noise risk, financial risk) were added. Eleven hypotheses were developed and tested via an online survey. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Relative advantage of contact-free delivery, hedonic motivation, and social influence are the highlights among the factors investigated for their influence on consumer acceptance. The influence on the perceived risk constructs privacy risk and safety risk varies depending on drone usage experience and gender. The value of the study stems from the proposed extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model, tailored to a new technology context (drones for last mile parcel delivery) and a different cultural setting (Germany). This research contributes to the multidisciplinary approach of existing drone research by adding a consumer perspective to the mainly logistics provider-oriented engineering, informatics, and operations research.
IoT smart farming adoption intention under climate change: The gain and loss perspective
2024, Technological Forecasting and Social Change
While Internet of Things (IoT) smart farming promises significant benefits in terms of enhancing efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity, and has witnessed increased adoption in agriculture in recent years, it still remains underutilised within the agricultural sector. Despite well-intentioned efforts by policymakers, the transformation of traditional agricultural systems into smart farms remains a formidable challenge. Drawing on technology acceptance literature and Prospect Theory (PT), this article explores, compares, and prioritizes the factors that influence IoT smart farming adoption, considering both the expected gains and losses. Survey data collected from 265 farmers in Thailand was analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) to test our hypotheses. The results demonstrate that IoT smart farming is significantly influenced by both the perceived expected gains from its adoption and the perceived expected losses from climate change in the case of not adopting IoT smart farming. However, in contrast to PT, the impact of losses is not greater than that of gains. This article offers valuable insights that are essential for shaping sustainable farming practices and informing policy frameworks in the face of mounting challenges posed by climate change.

View all citing articles on Scopus

Jun He is an assistant professor of MIS at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. He has an MBA from Tsinghua Univeristy and a PhD degree from the University of Pittsburgh. His research interests include systems design and development, knowledge management, and methodological issues. He has presented a number of papers at meetings of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Americas’ Conference on Information Systems (AMCIS), published in Communications of the Association for Information Systems, and in a book of Current Topics in Management.

View full text

A meta-analysis of the technology acceptance model

Abstract

Section snippets

Summarizing TAM research

Methodology of our study

Analysis

Conclusions

Summary

International Journal of Human-Computer Studies

Information & Management

Information & Management

International Journal of Human-Computer Studies

Business Horizons

Information & Management

Information & Management

Information & Management

Evaluating a spoken dialogue system for recording clinical observations during an endoscopic examination

Medical Informatics and The Internet in Medicine

Statistical Power Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences

A power primer

Psychological Bulletin

Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology

MIS Quarterly

User acceptance of computer technology: a comparison of two theoretical models

Management Science

Toward preprototype user acceptance testing of new information systems: implications for software project management

IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management

From the editors: replication, meta-analysis, scientific progress, and AMJ's publication policy

Academy of Management Journal

Meta-analysis of correlation coefficients: a Monte Carlo comparison of fixed- and random-effects methods

Psychological Methods

The problem in using fixed-effects models of meta-analysis on real-world data

Understanding Statistics

Belief, Attitude, Intention and Behavior: An Introduction to Theory and Research

What makes an ERP implementation relationship worthwhile: linking trust mechanisms and ERP usefulness

Journal of Management Information Systems

Inexperience and experience with online stores: the importance of TAM and trust

IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management

Primary, secondary, and meta-analysis of research

Educational Researcher

Investigating determinants of software developers’ intentions to follow methodologies

Journal of Management Information Systems

Statistical Methods for Meta-Analysis