Name: Emily K. Parcell

School of Psychological and Brain Sciences – Ph.D. Dissertation Defense Meeting

Date: Monday, November 16th, 2026

Time: 1:00 - 3:00PM

Location: Price Gilbert room 4222 or online (https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/252794986155875?p=9IvZNJbLpRMdqXnFqk)

Dissertation Committee Chair/Advisor:

Bruce Walker, Ph.D. (Georgia Tech)

Dissertation Committee Members:

Richard Catrambone, Ph.D. (Georgia Tech)

Woon Ju Park, Ph.D. (Georgia Tech)

Ben Satterfield, Ph.D. (Georgia Tech)

Barbara Chaparro, Ph.D. (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University)

Title: From Acceptance to Mastery: An Evaluation of Technology Mastery and Validation of the General Technology Mastery Scale

Abstract: This dissertation empirically investigated the concept of technology mastery, operationally defined here as an individual’s knowledge, attitudes, and ability regarding the use of a technology.  To begin, a series of interviews with a mix of community members and college undergraduates were conducted to better define the concept of “technology mastery,” determine what behaviors and traits are associated with the term, and finally discuss any barriers faced when attempting to gain skill with technology. The results of this study were thematically analyzed and produced roughly 40 themes, which were then used to create the General Technology Mastery Scale (GTMS) through a series of factor analysis techniques. The GTMS then underwent a series of validation testing through comparisons with hypothesized covariates based on the literature (such as problem-solving, technology self-efficacy, general self-efficacy, technology acceptance, system usability, locus of control, motivation, and creativity). Finally, the GTMS was deployed in a classroom setting to assess within-subjects growth in mastery, motivation, and problem-solving ability.  This dissertation contributes a consolidation of the work done in technology mastery and fluency, in addition to providing validated psychometric measuring techniques to assess technology mastery. The information suggested by the results of this dissertation can be used to help establish a strong foundation for developing skilled technology use, thus ensuring that the benefits of technology are realized in every aspect of our lives.