dissertationThis study examined the use of the Internet using a random sample of 339 baby boomers aged 55-70 living in Salt Lake County, Utah. The study analyzed the linear relationship of two independent variables-gender and ethnicity-and as dependent variables four factor scores associated with Internet use from the 20-question Survey on Older Adults' Use of the Internet: self-efficacy, financial information, social connectedness, and health information. Next, the research study examined three continuous variables-hours on the Internet, income, and health condition scores-with the four factor scores. A cross-sectional quantitative design was used to answer the research questions. Four sampling sources were used to complete the survey. Snowball sampling occurred when the online survey link was emailed to Salt Lake County Aging Services (Source 1) and American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Utah (Source 2). The researcher also attended the annual Senior Expo to survey baby boomers in person (Source 3). Finally, a sample was purchased from Survey Sampling International (SSI; Source 4). Results indicated no difference between gender and the four factor scores. A significant difference existed in self-efficacy factor scores between ethnic groups. As related to health conditions, a significant negative linear relationship existed between health condition and the financial information factor. A significant linear relationship iv existed between income and self-efficacy, financial information, and health information. Lastly, hours on the Internet had a significant linear positive relationship with all four factor scores
