Explanation of Computer Violations among University Students: An Empirical Application of Rational Choice Theory

علوم اجتماعی دانشگاه فردوسی مشهد

Article 10, Volume 20, Issue 4 - Serial Number 46, December 2023, Pages 299-342   

Document Type: Case Study

DOI: 10.22067/social.2024.85184.1442

Authors

Akbar Aliverdinia^{* 1}; Nader Razeghi²; Esmail Nazari³; Dariush Ghahramanian⁴

¹Professor in Sociology, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran

²Associate Professor in Sociology, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran

³MA in Social Research, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran

⁴PhD Candidate in Sociology, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran

Abstract

Internet and computer technology is a very important and extensive resource that has a great impact on people’s personal and professional life. Considering the increase in the number of users and the growing concerns on computer technology (such as fraud, harassment, hacking, virus transmission, unauthorized access to personal information), it is important for academics and professionals to investigate the prevalence of these behaviors among users and why people are involved in such activities. This study aimed to investigate computer violations among students of Mazandaran University using rational choice theory. A questionnaire was used as a tool for collecting the data needed for the survey. The population consisted of all students of Mazandaran University (13,428 people) in the academic year of 2014-2016, of which 400 people were selected using stratified sampling. SPSS software was used for data analysis. The descriptive results of the research indicated that the mean of computer crimes committed by students between 0 and 4 is 0.29. In addition, the results of the regression analysis showed that the independent research variables (self-control, utilitarian need, informal sanction, moral beliefs, perceptual pleasure and thrills, investment, and attachment), were able to explain 0.32% of the changes related to computer violations among the students of Mazandaran University. The results of multiple regression showed that the variables of perceptual pleasure and emotion (effect coefficient = 0.28), moral beliefs (effect coefficient = -0.23), family dependence (effect coefficient = -0.14), and investment (effect coefficient = 10. -0), respectively, have the most significant impact on the students’ computer violations. Moreover, the results indicated that the variables of self-control, utilitarian need, and informal punishment do not have a significant impact on computer violations.
 

Keywords

Rational Choice; Perceptual Pleasure and Excitement; Computer Violations; Computer Technology

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