Multiagent system technology: A quantitative stepwise regression study of the influences related to the growth of its use

Multiagent systems technology is an information technology that promised to transform our information infrastructure through the use of intelligent software agents and their interfaces. A multiagent system is a system consisting of multiple collaborating intelligent agents that solve complex distributed problems that traditional systems are unable to solve. The autonomous nature of multiagent systems has made information assurance and security a dominant concern for information technology professionals considering multiagent systems implementation. Technology acceptance by information technology professionals in the information assurance and security domain appeared to be low. The reasons pointed toward a lack of general knowledge and expertise associated with implementing multiagent systems. This current study used a quantitative methodology and a measurement instrument called technology acceptance model version two (TAM2). Actual users of multiagent systems were consulted to measure the acceptance of multiagent systems. The dependent variable, used in the survey, was behavior intent, and six independent variables were subjective norm, image, job relevance, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and result demonstrability. The original TAM2 model survey questionnaires were used and not modified except for the noun was changed to multiagent systems. The survey population was identified as information technology professionals who make decisions in information assurance and security. SurveyMonkey Audience provided responses from 169 participants from which to draw sample data; the survey responses were 100 percent complete with no missing data. The measurement of content and construct validity had already been conducted using principle component analysis in prior studies. Prior studies showed high reliability and validity of the TAM2 instrument. The TAM2 model and a stepwise regression model showed three independent variables were sufficient in predicting the information technology professional's behavior intent to use multiagent systems technology. The three independent variables consisted of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and result demonstrability. This current study showed that these three factors predicted the growth of multiagent systems technology in the field of information technology, information assurance and security.