**7.2. Introducing the model**

42 Multivariate Analysis in Management, Engineering and the Sciences

itself.

inequalities.

**Table 1.** Referenced overview of the different conceptions of technology.

the material analyzed ([2, 3, 7, 8, 34, 44, 45, 50, 56-60, 67, 74-89]).

**TECHNOLOGY WAY OF UNDERSTANDING REFERENCES** 

Understands that technology is neither good nor bad. Its use is that may be inappropriate, not the artifact

Considers technology as being autonomous, self-evolving, following naturally its own momentum and logic of evolution, lacking the control of human beings.

Understands technology as something universal; the same product, service or artifact could arise in any location and,

Considers technology as something harmful and hurtful to

degradation of the environment and the widening of social

Considers that technology is determined by the interaction of different groups through social, political, economic, environmental, cultural and others relationships.

Understands technology as having mechanisms able to

the sustainability of the planet, responsible for the

ensure the sustainable development and solve environmental, social and materials problems.

**6. The challenges of technology in the contemporary world scene** 

It is known that sustainable development is volatile and requires a complex series of complementary policies, due to the uncertainty of the generation and distribution of knowledge of C & T [51]. In addition, there is the lack of appropriate instruments or the inability of scientific models to measure the environmental impacts. [72]. According to [73] the relationship between technology and the environment occurs in an uncertain way, being very difficult to predict which current and future impacts can be brought by technological innovation. The generation of new "clean technologies" becomes a challenge. At this point, the political factor should be relaxed, because the environmental goals of short and long term may not be compatible, as well as the policies in force, with innovative attitudes. From the literature reviewed, national and international papers and documents were analyzed, showing the main challenges identified by theorists, researchers and technicians, as being the current problems that the technological development faces worldwide. What we were able to check is that sustainability and environmental conservation are issues prioritized in

therefore, be useful in any context.

Considers technology as being simple tools, artifacts, or

products, usually sophisticated. [14, 22, 25, 35-38]

[4, 22, 25, 39, 40, 41]

[4, 22, 25, 40, 41]

[9, 41]

[7, 42-48]

[2, 3, 7, 45, 49-60]

[5, 17, 22, 24, 25, 27, 36, 61-71]

**CONCEPTION OF** 

**TECHNOLOGICAL NEUTRALITY** 

**UNIVERSALITY OF TECHNOLOGY** 

**TECHNOLOGICAL PESSIMISM** 

**TECHNOLOGICAL OPTIMISM** 

**SOCIAL SYSTEM** 

Source: [10]

**Instrumentalist (OR artifactual)** 

**Determinism TECHNOLOGICAL (AUTONOMOUS TECHNOLOGY)** 

> We created a master model that relates the conceptions (CON) that individuals have about technology, their attitudes and expectations facing the technological development (ATI) and the influences of the social aspect (DSO). Due to the theoretical recommendations of the adopted method, four models were tested in the study. However, to simplify and make the research more objective, this paper will present only the original model, related to the null hypothesis of the research. Thus, starting from this model, the relations among the constructs with the lowest number of causal pathways will be defined, taking as fundamental change the antecedent factor (also treated as an independent variable or exogenous) in the causal relationships ([90, 91]). Initially, DSO1 model was chosen, which is characterized by having the social dimension (DSO) as an antecedent to the factors conception (CON) and attitude (ATI). Thus, the graphical representation of causal relationships among the constructs, known as path diagram, is shown in Diagram 1.

**DSO**: independent variable (exogenous). **CON e ATI**: dependent variables (endogenous).

Source: [10]

**Diagram 1.** Structural relationship Model - DSO1: Influence of Society.

In general, this model can be translated into the following hypothesis: the social dimension influences the conceptions of technology of the individuals within it, providing favorable attitudes in the face of a sustainable technological development.

Technology and Society Public Perception: A Structural Equation

Modeling Study of the Brazilian Undergraduate Students' Opinions and Attitudes from Sao Paulo State 45

DSO 01: The government must not influence in decisions of technological

DSO 02: The technological research developed by companies is directed to

DSO 03: The decisions and technological choices have nothing to do with codes of

DSO 04: The educational and research institutions, such as large universities must

DSO 05: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should have an active voice in

DSO 06: Environmental organizations can prevent or stop the technological

DSO 08: It is important the effective participation of citizens in issues related to

DSO 09: Personal interests do not influence the process of technology creation. DSO 10: Religious beliefs do not affect the work of scientists and experts involved

DSO 12: Ethnic minorities have no guaranteed space to assist in choosing new

ATI 02: I am not able to express an opinion about technology, because in

ATI 05: At the time of purchase of a new technological product the price is the

ATI 06: Technology consolidates the democratization of relations among human

ATI 07: I am aware to the issues related to technology that appear in the media. ATI 08: I welcome the increase in investment in technology even if it means

ATI 09: I would use nuclear power without questioning, because it is a plausible

ATI 10: The concern about future generations should be a crucial point to drive

DSO 07: Religious organizations can prevent or stop the technological

DSO 11: Media influences the production of technology.

ATI 01: I use technology to socialize information.

determining factor for my choice.

spending less on social programs.

technological choices.

exit to solve future problems of the energy crisis.

decisions of this magnitude should be left to experts. ATI 03: I choose a technology by its efficiency. ATI 04: I choose a technology due to its practicality.

hegemonic private interests aiming solely at profit.

conduct research to develop new technologies.

**SOCIAL DIMENSION** 

Source: [10]

**ATTITUDES TOWARD** 

**TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT** 

development.

ethics and conduct.

technological decisions.

decision making in technology.

in the production of technology.

development.

development.

technologies.

**Table 3.** Proposed Indicators for the Social Dimension.

beings.

This initial model formed the basis for other five variations, two of which were obtained by exchanging the places of the constructs in the model, and the remaining three were obtained from their respective inverse relationships.
