Abstract We conducted a multi-study, mixed-methods, longitudinal investigation to examine how mobile technology diffuses across the lifespan, in real time, within a multi-generational population, while seeking local knowledge through community-based participatory research. Using qualitative methods (QUAL), we examined technology adoption within and across three iterations (16 weeks) of a nine-wave longitudinal community technology-training workshop, situated within a 15-wave study. In parallel, we interrogated existing conceptualization and operationalization of diffusion of technology variables, then deductively evaluated the dominant DOI-related variables re-conceptualized through the community study in a large cross-sectional quantitative (QUAN) investigation. We interpreted our results consistently and iteratively with a mixed-methods approach that included conceptualization, operationalization, and empirical testing. We discovered that oft-conflated concepts of knowledge, use, and ownership represent distinct stages of adoption. Our findings suggest constant feedback/permeable boundaries between these stages, and that DOI attributes may influence mobile technology adoption stages differentially. We suggest that innovators seeking to facilitate mobile technology adoption should focus on reducing complexity, and establishing calibration of complexity perceptions. We propose a lifespan mobile technology diffusion model, and call to question the language used in investigations related to the digital divide. We strive to clarify labels that may stereotype vulnerable populations, such as older adults. Our research contributes to theories of technology adoption – particularly after the introduction of digital communication - the diffusion of innovations in the community over time, and technology adoption process as affected by interpersonal communication and relationships, including among the technologically undercapitalized and the digitally privileged.

中文翻译：

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移动技术在整个生命周期中的采用：混合方法调查，以阐明采用阶段以及扩散属性的影响


摘要：我们进行了一项多研究、混合方法的纵向调查，以研究移动技术如何在多代人群中实时传播到整个生命周期，同时通过基于社区的参与性研究寻求当地知识。使用定性方法 (QUAL)，我们检查了 15 波研究中的 9 波纵向社区技术培训研讨会的三个迭代（16 周）内和之间的技术采用情况。与此同时，我们质疑了技术变量扩散的现有概念化和操作化，然后演绎评估了通过社区研究在大型横断面定量 (QUAN) 调查中重新概念化的主要 DOI 相关变量。我们使用包括概念化、操作化和实证测试在内的混合方法，一致、迭代地解释了我们的结果。我们发现，经常混淆的知识、使用和所有权概念代表了不同的采用阶段。我们的研究结果表明这些阶段之间存在持续的反馈/可渗透边界，并且 DOI 属性可能会以不同的方式影响移动技术采用阶段。我们建议，寻求促进移动技术采用的创新者应重点关注降低复杂性，并建立对复杂性认知的校准。我们提出了一种生命周期移动技术扩散模型，并对数字鸿沟相关调查中使用的语言提出质疑。我们努力澄清可能对老年人等弱势群体形成刻板印象的标签。 我们的研究对技术采用理论做出了贡献，特别是在引入数字通信之后，随着时间的推移，社区中创新的扩散，以及受人际沟通和关系影响的技术采用过程，包括技术资本不足和数字特权的人。