Attitudes Toward Information Privacy

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Abstract

Two US and three Russian professors administered a survey comparing students' attitudes toward information privacy. The survey was administered in either English or Russian as appropriate and responses were anonymous; neither college nor class was recorded. Students were identified only by country, major, year in college and sex.<p> The survey consisted of 15 statements. Students indicated the extent of their agreement/disagreement with each statement on a 7 point Likert scale. We utilized an existing, validated survey that measured four basic constructs: concerns about information collection, errors, unauthorized secondary use and improper access. For further information on the development and validation studies see Smith, Milberg and Burke, “Information Privacy: Measuring Individuals’ Concerns about Organizational Practices.”</p><p> The purpose of the research is to determine whether or not attitudes differ by nationality and, if so, to propose cultural explanation that might explain these differences. Long term, it is our wish to continue the research in both breadth (more countries, more age groups)and depth (a longitudinal study of how attitudes are changing, possibly more exploration of possible cultural bases and/or ethical implications).</p>