Test your TR: An Example of How the TRI Works

To get a sense of your overall level of techno-readiness, answer the four questions below...

A. I find new technologies to be mentally stimulating I agree I am neutral I disagree  B. I can usually figure out new high-tech products and services without help from others I agree I am neutral I disagree  C. I do not consider it safe to do any kind of financial business online I agree I am neutral I disagree  D. When I get technical support from a provider of a high-tech product or service, I sometimes feel as if I am being taken advantage of by someone who knows more than I do I agree I am neutral I disagree

The four statements are representative of different facets of the TR Index.  The first two illustrate how the TRI captures contributors to technology receptiveness.  Statement A dealing with the stimulating nature of tech is a measure of optimism, while statement B dealing with your perceived self-help capability is a measure of innovativeness. 

The last two statements capture inhibitors to technology adoption.  Statement C dealing with the fear of online finance is an indicator of insecurity, or an inherent distrust of technology-based processes.  Statement D which captures your possible mistrust of tech support is an indicator of discomfort, a feeling of lacking control over technology.

Assess your own techno-readiness with the above questions as follows…

• You are highly techno-ready (upper 1/4th of the population) if you agree with the positive statements (A and B) and are neutral/disagree with the negative statements (C and D)
• Your are moderately techno-ready (upper ½ of the population) if you (1) agree with just one positive statement but none of the negatives or (2) agree with both positives and also agree with one of the negatives
• You are moderately technology resistant (lower ½ of the population) if you agree with as many positives as negatives (or you agree with none of the statements)
• You are highly tech-resistant (lowest 1/6th of the population) if you agree with more of the negatives than the positives

This just an example of how TR is measured.   A larger battery of questions and a more refined agreement scale are required to produce a reliable measurement.  In practice, TR is measured with 6, 10 or 36 items that have been carefully validated.