Previous studies have established the importance of computer-related aective variables in
predicting user satisfaction, frequency of use, and students academic performance. This study
examined the eects of motivation to learn to use computers, and previous experience with
computers on three computer-related aective states: anxiety, attitudes, and self-ecacy.
Participants included 59 male and 52 female university and college students enrolled in
introductory computer programming and fundamental courses. Gender dierences were
found in previous experience with computers, as well as most of the motivation, and all of the
aective variables. A path analysis was used to further investigate these relations and to
examine their eect on academic performance in introductory computer classes. Results sup-
ported the theoretical model, with some modi®cations. Gender dierences in structure were
negligible. Finally, students were grouped according to reasons for taking the course: intrinsic,
extrinsic, or both. Signi®cant dierences among the three groups were found for six of the 10
variables, in all cases favoring an intrinsic motivational orientation.