Factorial structure of Web credibility in a population of Italian Internet users: a pilot study.
Recent studies by Fogg and his colleagues have defined a new psychological construct called Web credibility. It describes the principal dimensions which lead people to believe (or not) online information. In this framework, the factorial structure of Web credibility was explored in a sample of 152 Italian students of psychology who were Internet users, using a questionnaire. A consistent four-factorial structure emphasized crucial aspects of Web credibility, namely, Inaccuracy, Efficiency, Social Validation, and Commercial Features. Such results seem in line with Fogg's theoretical model; however, further research is required to identify dimensions of this construct.
Lombardo
Giuseppina
G
Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 15, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
Caci
Barbara
B
Cardaci
Maurizio
M
D000328:Adult; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D004526:Efficiency; D004867:Equipment Design / Q000523:psychology / Q000592:standards; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014175:Translating; D035502:Trust / Q000523:psychology*; D014584:User-Computer Interface