Extending the technology acceptance model: Additional factors affecting the adoption of e-commerce by senior American residents

The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), introduced in 1985 by Fred Davis, formed the basis for this research. As the primary model for the investigation of acceptance of new technology, the TAM has a large base of academic recognition. However, in recent years, researchers have found it necessary to expand the theory beyond the original constructs of Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use. Following this precedent, the author added the independent variables of age, gender, education, and country of origin in order to achieve greater explanatory power.; This investigation focused on applying an augmented TAM to investigate the adoption of e-commerce by senior Americans. The research utilized a survey format and was conducted in Palm Beach County, Florida. The results showed that the new variables were positively correlated with the acceptance of the new technology for the subjects examined.