1 Mentioning sources
In the early stages of an essay, it is common to discuss the contribution of other writers to
the subject.
Read the following example, from a comparison of ‘technology readiness’ in Chinese
and American consumers, and answer the questions opposite.
Combining
Mentioning sources
UNIT
1.8
For most assignments, students are expected to read a range of sources, often
reflecting conflicting views on a topic. In some cases, the contrast between the
various views may be the focus of the task. This unit explains how a writer can
present and organise a range of contrasting sources.The extent to which consumers desire to use new technology is commonly
influenced by factors such as consumer attitudes toward specific technologies
(Bobbit and Dabholkar, 2001; Curran et al., 2003), the level of technology anxiety
exhibited by consumers (Meuter, Ostrom, Bitner and Roundtree, 2003), and
consumer capacity and willingness (Walker, Lees, Hecker and Francis, 2002). Mick
and Fournier (1998) argue that consumers can simultaneously exhibit positive
feelings (such as intelligence and efficacy) and negative feelings (such as ignorance
and ineptitude) towards new technology. Venkatesh (2000) found that ‘computer
playfulness’ and ‘computer anxiety’ serve as anchors that users employ in forming
perceptions of ease of use about new technology.