Use of advanced features and perceptions of software quality: an experimental study

An experiment was conducted to investigate the impacts of use of advanced features on perceptions of software quality. Subjects were given the task of planning an information systems development project. They were provided with project management software and given an opportunity to use advanced features. Two levels of task difficulty (high and low), and two levels of performance feedback (positive feedback and no feedback) were manipulated. Results show that when the more advanced features are used, more computing problems and less positive attitudes toward the software are reported. However, the contextual variables show moderating effects on this relationship. Under the condition of either low task difficulty or no performance feedback, the negative relationship between extensiveness of use and attitudes toward the software is statistically significant.<>