Exploring determinants of trust In emerging technologies

: an integrative Pls-Sem and Multi-Group Analysis

Abstract

This thesis aimed at investigating factors that determine technology trust beliefs and, more specifically, at the differences between such factors for emerging and existing technologies. It was the first research to test the “Faith-Confidence” grouping of technology trust predictors. The thesis is comprised of two studies. PLS-SEM technique was used in Study 1 to examine the structural model, which included a set of individual differences, institutional-based trust, concern about privacy, calculus-based trust, and social norms. Study 2 tackled limitations of Study 1 and further assessed the relationships between the above-mentioned variables and technology trusting beliefs. In addition, by conducting a multi-group analysis, it compared the strength of the path estimates between technologies. Study 1 and Study 2 were controlled randomized post-test experiments (total N= 629).Major findings included the significant observed difference between how trust is developed for emerging versus non-emerging technologies, which unfolded a research gap in the current literature. The studies further tested hypotheses, related to the “Faith” or “Confidence” technology trust predictors. Results suggest that “Faith” has a higher predictive value for trust in emerging technologies, while “Confidence” does for existing technologies. Furthermore, the thesis’ unique contributions included the development of two new constructs – perceived power asymmetry and technological savviness – for the technology acceptance domain. Future research should focus on replication of these studies for various technologies and cultures to ensure the results’ external validity, and try to expand the proposed model on the actual technology usage.

Date of Award	7 Dec 2022
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Ian James Scott (Supervisor) & Filipa de Almeida (Co-Supervisor)