PSCH 352, Cognition and Memory, Summer 2005: Reading Worksheet Template

This is due at the beginning of class.  Please type your answers.  Answers should be no more than
3 sentences long (with the exception of the special question, which can be longer).

Name: Key
Due Date: 6/7/2005
Article: Strayer, D.L., & Johnston, W.A. (2001). Driven to distraction: Dual-task studies of simulated
driving and conversing on a cellular telephone. Psychological Science, 12, 462-466.

1. What was the purpose of this research?
To determine if and how cell-phone conversations impacts driving performance (using driving simulation).
To determine if interference is due to peripheral factors or demands on attention.

2. What did the researchers do? (Summarize method, including groups, manipulation(s), and
dependent variable(s))
Ran 2 experiments, Exp1 mixed design (between Ss IV: dual task condition [radio choice, radio book
on tape, handheld cell phone, hands-free cell phone]; within Ss IV: single vs. dual task).  Exp 2 within-subjects
design, IVs were course difficulty (predictable vs. unpredictable) and task (single, shadowing, and word generation). 
DVs in Exp 1 were accuracy (probability of missing traffic signal) and RT (mean reaction time to signals & tracking task);
DV in Exp 2 was tracking errors.

3. What were the main results?
No difference between handheld and hands-free phones in Exp 1.  In Exp 1, dual task cell phone conditions
worse performance (more missed red lights, slower RTs) on driving simulation than single-task; no difference
between performance in the single and dual-task situations for the radio conditions.  In Exp 2, single task
performance worse on the unpredictable course compared to the predictable course, shadowing dual task
performance equal on predictable and unpredictable courses, and the word generation task led to increases in
tracking errors, particularly in the dual task condition.

4. What is the take-home message (conclusion)?
Talking on the cell phone with either hands-free or hand-held devices may negatively impact driving (or at least
driving simulation) performance as shown through missed signals, slower RT, and poorer tracking performance. 
The nature of the interference appears to be due to the fact that the secondary task demands attention, and that
periphery factors, such holding the phone or dialing, do not cause interference.  

5. Are there any problems with the research or do you have any criticisms?  Is there anything you
would do differently?
Small N, ecological validity (similarity to driving), generalization to population (college students vs all drivers),
possible confound (cell phone experience, driving while talking experience),

6. Special question: Will be assigned separately for each article/reading.
On July 8, it will become illegal to use a handheld cell phone while driving in Chicago. Based on the results of the
article, as well as your own opinion, is this an appropriate ban? Why or why not?