The Influence of Computer-Related Attributions on System Evaluation in Usability Testing

Abstract

Computer-related attributions are cognitions related to the causes and effects of user interactions – or, in other words, subjective explanations of users of why specific system reactions occur. Prior research has revealed different attribution styles, which influence how users interact with computers and how they perceive situations of failure and success. In this paper, we report on a study investigating how computer-related attributions influence users’ perceptions and evaluations of interactive systems. To that end, we conducted usability tests with users and measured both system evaluations and attributions. Results show correlations between attributions and usability as well as user experience measures, indicating that users’ attributions do influence their evaluations of the test systems. Furthermore, gender differences were revealed. Practical and research implications are described.