What is the real-life pattern of internet access in Australian households?

Using computers and coping with computers

Rationale:

We are interested in finding out to what use the interviewees put a computer (if any). We are interested in getting a picture of how well they understand the similarities and differences between computer applications: e.g. the web versus word processing.

 We are also interested in how they deal with computer problems. Do they get effective support from technicians etc.? Do they have a computer they have given up on?

Sampling of interview cases.

We are not looking for a random or representative sample. We are looking for people aged 50+ from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds, including some ethnic variation.

We will be dealing with each interview as a case study. I.e. the aim will be to identify the individual’s particular responses to the questions and to define who that person his.

Try to tape the interview. We will have a privacy letter to give to each participant.

Background

Age

Gender

Highest level of education

Primary area of employment

Ethnic background

NOTE: This can be gained, in part, by asking a general opening question, something like the following:

So that I can get a feel for who you are, could you tell me a little about your back ground.

Open-ended questions
Question 1

What use do you make of a computer? What are the main things you do with a computer? What things do you do on the internet? What range of people or organizations do you send emails to?

If they have not used a computer then Go To QN1

Question 2

Is this your own computer, do you share it with your family or is it a computer in another place?

Question 3

If has computer in the home:

Can you tell me about any troubles you have had with your computer? How easy is it to communicate with technicians?

If computer is at library or work:

How do you deal with a failure of the computer you are using? Are you readily able to get help and support?

Question N1

Can you tell me about any contact you have with computers?

Hint: Partly explore the understanding of what a computer is.