The rapid advancement of information technology (IT) has revolutionized educational systems worldwide, providing tools that enhance teaching and learning processes. This study investigates the role of cognitive dissonance in influencing technology adoption behaviors among undergraduate students at the University of Cape Coast. As educational institutions increasingly rely on technology to enhance learning, understanding the psychological and social factors that affect students’ willingness to adopt technology is critical. Cognitive dissonance—an internal conflict that arises when individuals hold contradictory beliefs or experience discomfort from conflicting information—is examined concerning technology acceptance, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and resistance among students. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through surveys and focus group discussions with undergraduate students across various academic disciplines. Many students experienced cognitive dissonance when their beliefs about technology’s value for academic and career success clashed with their actual experiences, such as difficulties in usage, inadequate training, and limited access. Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) and Perceived Usefulness (PU) were major contributors to cognitive dissonance. Quantitative analysis, employing structural equation modeling (SEM), revealed that cognitive dissonance significantly affects students’ perceptions of technology’s usefulness and ease of use, which are key determinants in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Thematic analysis of qualitative data further highlighted the role of peer support and positive social influences in mitigating dissonance, enhancing acceptance. Students surrounded by peers who embraced technology often felt more confident, while those facing skepticism from their social circles were more likely to resist technology use. The study identifies critical barriers to effective technology adoption, including high perceived complexity and lack of confidence in using digital tools. To address these challenges, it recommends that institutions focus on reducing cognitive dissonance by providing tailored support and training, designing user-friendly interfaces, and fostering a positive technology culture. The implications for the literature are significant, as this study highlights the need to integrate cognitive dissonance into existing technology acceptance models to better predict user behavior and adoption rates. In conclusion, cognitive dissonance plays a vital role in shaping students’ attitudes toward technology, suggesting that targeted interventions addressing both psychological and social dimensions are essential to enhance technology acceptance and integration in academic settings. By exploring cognitive dissonance within the TAM framework, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of technology adoption in higher education and provides actionable insights for improving student engagement with digital tools.
Author
(s) Details
Rudolf
Anyoka Nyaaba
Department of Science, St. John Bosco College of Education, Ghana.
Sayibu
Abdul – Gafaar
Directorate of ICT Services, University of Cape Coast, Ghana.
Robert
Anechana
Department of Science, St. John Bosco College of Education, Ghana.
Daniel
Kweku Anhwere
Department of Business and Social Science Education, University of
Cape Coast, Ghana.
Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/lleru/v3/4460
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