An Empirical Examination of Cognitive Absorption in a Computer-based Simulation Training Context

The purpose of this study is to conduct a conceptual replication of the model developed by Agarwal and Karahanna (2000) in the context of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) simulation. The model was tested using data collected from 251 students learning ERP in a simulated computer-based training environment. In general, results are consistent with the original study, where cognitive absorption positively influences perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness. Nonetheless, there were some notable differences. Unlike the original study, this replication study found that the cognitive absorption had no direct impact on perceived usefulness, but the effect was indirect via perceived ease of use underscoring the uniqueness of computer-based training environment. Further, perceived usefulness had no significant impact on use intention. Moreover, we found a significant positive relationship between perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness. The study controlled for age, gender, previous ERP experience, and business process experience.