Microcomputer playfulness

The primary question of trait stability (stable versus dynamic) was examined in several ways, supporting the conclusion that playfulness is a stable trait.

Abstract

Previous playfulness research has investigated playfulness as both state and trait phenomena. For example, Webster et al. (1993) examined flow, the state of playfulness in a specific human-computer interaction, while Martocchio and Webster (1992) used a trait-based approach, considering playfulness a characteristic of individuals. This research extends the investigation of playfulness as an individual trait by using a longitudinal study to examine its temporal and situational stability.The Computer Playfulness Scale (Webster & Martocchio, 1992) was administered four times over the course of a five-week summer session to students enrolled in a computer-literacy course, once at the beginning of the class and then following completion of three milestones in the course work. The playfulness instrument was assessed for internal consistency, unidimensionality, and temporal and situational stability. The evidence indicates that the measurement is reliable. The primary question of trait stability (stable versus dynamic) was examined in several ways, supporting the conclusion that playfulness is a stable trait. The implications of these findings and suggested further research are discussed.