Masters Theses

Xinhui Zhan

Keywords and Phrases

Computer security; Decision-making; Framing; Risk

Abstract

"This research examines the impact of framing and base size of computer security risk information on users' risk perceptions and behavior (i.e., download intention and download decision). It also examines individual differences (i.e., demographic factors, computer security awareness, Internet structural assurance, self-efficacy, and general risk-taking tendencies) associated with users' computer security risk perceptions. This research draws on Prospect Theory, which is a theory in behavioral economics that addresses risky decision-making, to generate hypotheses related to users' decision-making in the computer security context. A 2 x 3 mixed factorial experimental design (N = 178) was conducted to assess the effect of framing and base size on users' download intentions and decisions. The results show that framing and base size of computer security risk information are associated with users' perceived risk and risk-taking behavior. More specifically, negative framing and large base size increase users' perceived risk and reduce users' risk-taking behavior. Moreover, users who have greater general risk-taking tendencies and perceive higher Internet structural assurance exhibited lower risk perceptions and greater risk-taking behavior in the computer security context. The findings from this research suggest that using negative framing and large base size to communicate computer security risk information is an effective way to lower risk-taking behavior of users"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Nah, Fiona Fui-Hoon, 1966-

Committee Member(s)

Siau, Keng, 1964-
Hall, Richard H.

Department(s)

Business and Information Technology

Degree Name

M.S. in Information Science and Technology

Sponsor(s)

National Science Foundation (U.S.)
Missouri University of Science and Technology. Center for Technology Enhanced Learning
Missouri University of Science and Technology. Laboratory of Information Technology and Evaluation

Comments

Xinhui Zhan received the Best Student Research Award at the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) Working Group’s 2020 Dewald Roode Information Security Workshop in October 2020. Zhan’s award recognized her research paper that reports findings from her master’s thesis.

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Spring 2019

Pagination

x, 77 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 72-76).

Rights

© 2019 Xinhui Zhan, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 11562

Electronic OCLC #

1105154979

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