Research on user attitude

Research on user attitude

Let's see what premises we started with and what are the questions we are seeking answers for.

The presumed attitude

Our base assumption is that many (prospective) users often derive their knowledge and opinion about biometry from sources (e.g. films, conspirational theories), that are inaccurate and far-fetched, which generates hostile attitudes that make employing biometric identification rather difficult. We think that if the users would be presented with accurate information about the technologies and biometric identification devices, and they would be properly trained to use them, their attitude would shift in a positive direction.

The main questions of the attitude research

The goal of this research is to gain knowledge about the specific psychological properties that may arise in using biometric identification devices. We seek answers, for example, the following questions:

• What kind of security and/or biometric identification devices you know about or have seen?
• What kind of security and/or biometric identification devices may cause bad or negative feelings?
• Why can souch a device cause negative feelings? How can be these negative attitudes interpreted?
• Is there any difference between the judgement about standard security identification equipment and biometric identification devices? If so, what are the reasons for negative attitudes?
• Which are the generally accepted circumstances and devices?
• What qualities define and affect the judgement about biometric identification devices?
• Are there any advantages that can be emphasised towards users?
• How can one handle the negative attitudes?
• What part does devices being well-known and widespread (along with proper user information) play in handling negative attitudes?

Although many other questions can and will arise, these are the main assumptions and thoughts that we start our research by. Since this is a longer project, that encompasses qualitative and quantitative phases, it will, from time to time, provide topics - and a basis for discussions - for our blog. As a preliminary point, we can safely say that these attitudes exist and have serious influence on the successfulness of a project.