Factor structure evaluation of the French version of the Digital Natives Assessment Scale (DNAS)

Abstract

Introduction: ‘Digital natives’ concept defines young adults particularly familiar with emerging technologies such as computers, smartphones or Internet. This notion is still controversial and so far the primary identifying criterion was to consider their date of birth. However, literature highlighted the need to describe specific characteristics. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the factor structure of a French version of the Digital Natives Assessment Scale (DNAS).Materials and methods: The sample of this study includes 590 participants from a six-week massive open online course and from websites, electronic forums and social networks. The DNAS was translated in French, then back-translated to English. Results: A principal component analysis with orthogonal rotation followed by a confirmatory factorial analysis showed that a 15-item-four-correlated-component model provided the best fit for the data of our sample. Discussion: Factor structure of this French-translated version of the DNAS was rather similar than those found in earlier studies. This study provides evidence of the DNAS robustness through cross-cultural and cross-generational validation. The French version of the DNAS appears to be appropriate as a quick and effective questionnaire to assess digital natives. More studies are needed to better define further features of this particular group.

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