Qualitative Study Participant Quotes 30 March 2021.xlsx (71.29 kB)

Influence of Music on Driver Psychology and Safety-Relevent Behaviours: A Multi-Study Inductive Content Analysis

dataset

posted on 2021-11-10, 11:14 authored by Costas KarageorghisCostas Karageorghis

Abstract

Objectives:

Underpinned by pragmatism and symbolic interactionism, an inductive content analysis was conducted to assess participants’ experiences of driving under a variety of music conditions.

Background:

Numerous quantitative studies have addressed the positive and negative effects of music on drivers in both simulated and real-world environments. There has, however, been a conspicuous dearth of qualitative research to provide a deeper and more nuanced understanding of how drivers themselves think that music affects them.

Method:

Data collection took place over three simulated driving studies, each with different tasks/participants (Study 1 – n = 34, Study 2 – n = 46, and Study 3 – n = 27). Data were collected using four open-ended questions. The inductive content analysis was conducted by two members of the research team and a peer debriefing was conducted by a third to ensure the trustworthiness of the analysis.

Results:

Findings show that music can have a range of affective, behavioural and cognitive effects (both positive and negative), that are moderated by the driving environment (i.e., urban vs. highway) and aspects of the musical stimulus (i.e., inclusion/non-inclusion of lyrics, loudness, and tempo). Participants were mindful of the implications of in-vehicle music in regard to the safety–performance–pleasure trade off.

Conclusion:

The inductive content analysis suggested a perceived beneficial effect of music on the driving experience and consequent contribution to driving style and safety-related performance.

Application:

Younger drivers’ apparent reliance on music as a means by which to regulate emotion highlights a need for education of novice drivers.

Detailed Description of Data File

This Excel data file includes each participant’s responses to the 11 qualitative questions that were asked in the survey after a set of experimental trials. The 11 questions were: (1) Are you able to describe and differences among the six simulator trials that you completed over the last 90 minutes?; (2) How did each of the trials make you feel emotionally, in general, while you drove in the simulator (try to be specific)?; (3) Prior to this study, had you ever used music to influence your emotional state while driving in an urban environment and, if so, how exactly?; (4) Has listening to music during an urban driving simulation changed your perception of the experience in any way and, if so, how?; (5) Would listening to music during real urban driving make you likely to drive more safely in the future?; (6) What aspects of your emotions of behaviour during real urban driving is music likely to change?; (7) Would listening to a talk radio station or podcast during real urban driving make you likely to drive more safely in the future?; (8) What aspects of your emotions or behaviour during real urban driving would a talk radio station or podcase be likely to change?; (9) What sort of music would help you to drive more safely in a real urban environment (try to also give specific artists/albums/tracks)?; (10) Which trial did you think was most conducive to safe urban driving in the simulator and why?; and (11) Are there any other comments you would like to make in relation to the experimental protocol you have just completed?