Using Evolutionary Psychology to Extend Our Understanding of Fit and Human Drives in Information Systems (IS) Utilization Decisions and Performance

Abstract

This chapter theorizes about the use of evolutionary psychology-based tenets to examine individual characteristics in the context of the innate human drives that compel behaviors oriented toward technology. We examine the phenomenon of mobile information communication technology (MICT) in the context of health care. This chapter reports on a study examining nurses' decisions to utilize MICTs that use the lens of evolutionary psychology to more fully understand individual characteristics, which is an area needing illumination in IS research. A mixed-method approach is used, consisting of both qualitative and quantitative elements, that reveals and empirically tests the significance of novel constellations of fit (i.e., identification, information, patient interaction, physical, time criticality, user comfort, and workflow fit) and individual characteristics, presented as basic human "drives (i.e., drive to acquire, bond, defend, and learn). Findings indicate that fit is a multi-faceted construct and that archetypical human drives have an influence on these various notions, which, in turn, impact technology adoption in the health-care context.