Smartphone Gratifications among Sultan Qaboos University Undergraduates: A Mixed-Approach Investigation

Abstract

This study investigates key elements in the Smartphone gratifications among Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) undergraduates, the relationship between these gratifications and student academic achievement, and any discernible differences. The research applied a mixed-method approach consisting of both quantitative (questionnaire) and qualitative (focus group discussions) methods. The quantitative data were collected through a questionnaire on Gratifications of Smartphone use (GSPUQ), using a sample of 138 undergraduates at Sultan Qaboos University (40.3% male, 59.7% female). This instrument was developed to measure the following six gratifications: social interaction, information sharing and entertainment, self-identity and conforming, self-development and safety, freedom and privacy, self-expression and gossip, using the Use and Gratifications Theory (UGT) as a framework. The qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions. Sixteen SQU undergraduates participated voluntarily in the focus group discussions. The findings revealed that information sharing and entertainment constituted the most common gratifications for Smartphone use among SQU undergraduates. There were no significant relationships between Smartphone gratifications and academic achievement except for self-development and safety. Nor were there gender differences on Smartphone gratifications, except for self-development and safety, and freedom and privacy. In self-development and safety female students scored significantly higher than male students. However, male students scored higher than female students in freedom and privacy.