Silvana Andrea Montes

Individual differences in driver inattention: the attention-related driving errors scale.

Objectives: Driver inattention is one of the most common causes of traffic collisions. The aim of this work was to study the reliability and validity of the Attention-Related Driving Errors Scale (ARDES), a novel self-report measure that assesses individual differences in driving errors resulting from failures of attention. The relationship between driver inattention and general psychological variables that could be connected to these phenomena was also explored. Methods: Participants were a convenience sample of drivers drawn from the general population of Mar del Plata, Argentina (n = 301). Drivers responded to ARDES items, a sociodemographic questionnaire, and several validation measures. The internal structure of ARDES was assessed by factor analysis and internal consistency analysis. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was applied to examine differences in ARDES scores due to sociodemographic variables. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between ARDES and self-reported traffic crashes and tickets. Pearsons correlations were calculated between ARDES and validation measures. Results: Factor analysis suggested the existence of one underlying factor. The 19 items proved to have discriminative power. The scales internal consistency was high (Cronbachs alpha = .86). ARDES discriminated those who had reported road crashes and traffic tickets from those who had not. Correlations with validation measures were robust and theoretically consistent. Findings suggested that driving errors are strongly associated with general error proneness, lack of attention when performing everyday activities, and dissociative personality traits. Conclusion: The present study provides preliminary evidence for the validity and reliability of the ARDES scores. Further validation studies should be conducted applying other methodologies and sources of information, such as traffic records, driving simulations, or naturalistic methodologies.

Measuring individual differences in driver inattention: further validation of the attention-related driving errors scale

Objective: The aim of this research was (a) to study driver inattention as a trait-like variable and (b) to provide new evidence of validity for the Attention-Related Driving Errors Scale (ARDES). Background: Driving inattention is approached from an individual differences perspective. We are interested in how drivers vary in their propensity to experience failures of attention and in the methods to measure these differences. Method: In a first sample (n = 301), we tested, via confirmatory factor analysis, a new theoretical model for the ARDES. In a second sample (n = 201), we evaluated the relationship between inattention and internal and external sources of distraction and social desirability bias in ARDES responses. A subsample (n = 65) was reevaluated to study temporal stability of the ARDES scores. Results: Errors measured by the ARDES can be classified according to the driving task level at which they occur (navigation, maneuvering, or control). Differences in ARDES scores based on collision history were observed. ARDES was related to internal sources of distraction and was independent of the level of exposure to distracting activities. Test-retest showed a high degree of stability in ARDES scores. Low correlations were found with a social desirability measure. Conclusion: ARDES appears to measure a personal trait that remains relatively stable over time and is relatively independent of distracting activities. New evidence of validity emerged for this self-report. Application: ARDES can be used to measure individual differences in driving inattention and to help tailor preventive interventions for inattentive drivers. It can serve as an instrument of driver self-assessment in educational and training contexts.

Implicit attitudes and road safety behaviors. The helmet-use case

We studied the role of implicit attitudes on road safety behaviors. We also explored the methodological benefits of using implicit measures to complement conventional self-reporting instruments. The results suggest that: (a) implicit attitudes are capable of predicting observed differences in the use of protective devices (helmet use); (b) implicit attitudes correlate with the emotional component of the explicit attitudes (e.g., perception of comfort-discomfort), but appear to be independent of the more cognitive components (e.g., perceived benefits); (c) the emotional component of the explicit attitudes appears to be the major predictor of behavior; and (d) implicit measures seem to be more robust against social desirability biases, while explicit measure are more sensitive to such bias. We conclude that indirect and automatic measures serve as an important complement to conventional direct measures (self-reports) because they provide information on psychological processes that are qualitatively different (implicit) and can also be more robust when it comes to response bias.

Procesos Inhibitorios y flexibilidad cognitiva: evidencia a favor de la Teoría de la Inercia Atencional

The aim of this study was to discriminate the differential contribution of different inhibitory processes -perceptual, cognitive and behavioral inhibition- to switching cost effect associated with alternation cognitive tasks. A correlational design was used. Several experimental paradigms (e.g., Stop signal, visual search, Stemberg´s experimental and Simon paradigm) were adapted and included in a computerized program called TAC (Introzzi & Canet Juric, 2014) to the assessment of the different cognitive processes. The final sample consisted of 45 adults (18-50 years). Perceptual and behavioral inhibition shows moderate and low correlations with attentional cost, cognitive inhibition shows no relation with flexibility and only perceptual inhibition predicts switching costs effects, suggesting that different inhibitory processes contribute differentially to switch cost. This could be interpreted as evidence to Attentional Inertia Theory main argument which postulates that inhibition plays an essential role in the ability to flexibly switch between tasks and/or representations.The aim of this study was to discriminate the differential contribution of different inhibitory processes -perceptual, cognitive and behavioral inhibition- to switching cost effect associated with alternation cognitive tasks. A correlational design was used. Several experimental paradigms (e.g., Stop signal, visual search, Stemberg´s experimental and Simon paradigm) were adapted and included in a computerized program called TAC (Introzzi & Canet Juric, 2014) to the assessment of the different cognitive processes. The final sample consisted of 45 adults (18-50 years). Perceptual and behavioral inhibition shows moderate and low correlations with attentional cost, cognitive inhibition shows no relation with flexibility and only perceptual inhibition predicts switching costs effects, suggesting that different inhibitory processes contribute differentially to switch cost. This could be interpreted as evidence to Attentional Inertia Theory main argument which postulates that inhibition plays an essential role in the ability to flexibly switch between tasks and/or representations.

The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) in an Argentine Population.

The purpose of this study was to provide evidence of validity for the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale scores in an Argentine sample (Spanish-language version). Results indicated satisfactory psychometric properties (a one-factor structure, good item discrimination, high reliability, and significant correlations with additional measures). This version could be useful for research and assessment ends.

El Test de Asociaciones Implícitas (Implicit Association Test): Una Revisión Metodológica

espanolLos modelos de cognicion social implicita han hecho importantes aportes metodologicos a la investigacion psicologica. Sobre la base de estos enfoques se han desarrollado las llamadas medidas “indirectas”, cuyo ejemplo mas representativo es el Test de Asociaciones Implicitas (IAT). Este trabajo se propone realizar una revision del IAT atendiendo especialmente a las criticas recibidas en relacion con su validez. Se analizan distintos problemas sobre su estructura interna, la naturaleza de los procesos subyacentes a las respuestas, y los posibles efectos contaminantes de otras variables. En cada caso, se realizan recomendaciones para su construccion y aplicacion. Se espera que este trabajo incentive el uso adecuado del IAT en los paises de habla hispana, donde el procedimiento se encuentra aun escasamente difundido. EnglishImplicit social cognition models gave relevant methodological inputs to psychological research. On the basis of these models the so called indirect measures have been developed, being the most representative of them the Implicit Association Test (IAT). The present paper is a revision of the research about the IAT, specially about the critics made of its validity. The paper analyzes different problems regarding its internal structure, the nature of the underlying processes, and the possible effects of confounding variables. Recommendations for the IAT construction and application are given. It is expected that this revision stimulate the correct use of the IAT in Spanish speaking countries where this procedure is scarcely spread.

Prevalencia y evolución del uso de casco en ocupantes de motocicletas en una ciudad argentina (Mar del Plata, 2006-2014)

Traffic collisions involving motorcyclists are a growing problem in low and middle income countries. Helmet use is the foremost protective measure for this group of road users, however many riders do not wear them. The objective of the present study is to report the changes in helmet use during the period 2006-2014 in an Argentine city and discover associated factors for the year 2014. The sample includes more than 6,900 observations of motorcyclists carried out during the years 2006 (n=962), 2008 (n=977), 2012 (n=2,542), and 2014 (n=2,466). The data indicates a progressive increase in helmet use over time, but differences due to gender and type of rider remain. Factors associated to helmet use in motorcycle drivers during 2014 were: passenger helmet use, motorcycle type, license plate use and gender. Although the results are positive, it is necessary to be attentive to the negative consequences of the growing fleet of motorcycles.

La inatención como factor de riesgo en conductores de moto

Resumen Los choques que involucran motociclistas constituyen un problema creciente. No obstante, es poco lo que se conoce sobre sus patrones de desplazamiento, y sus comportamientos de riesgo y proteccion. En este trabajo se evalua si la inatencion en conductores de motos constituye un factor de riesgo para choques de transito y si ciertas variables personales se relacionan con las fallas atencionales durante la conduccion. Se trabajo con una muestra de 110 motociclistas de poblacion general de la ciudad de Mar del Plata (Argentina), que respondieron un instrumento de evaluacion de la inatencion durante la conduccion, una medida general sobre error atencional, una escala de experiencias disociativas, una medida de deseabilidad social, un cuestionario de actividades distractoras durante la conduccion, y un cuestionario de datos sociodemograficos e historial de incidentes de transito. La escala de inatencion durante la conduccion para motociclistas ( Attentional Related Driving Errors Scale-Motorcyclists

Inattention as a risk factor for motorcycle drivers

Resumen Los choques que involucran motociclistas constituyen un problema creciente. No obstante, es poco lo que se conoce sobre sus patrones de desplazamiento, y sus comportamientos de riesgo y proteccion. En este trabajo se evalua si la inatencion en conductores de motos constituye un factor de riesgo para choques de transito y si ciertas variables personales se relacionan con las fallas atencionales durante la conduccion. Se trabajo con una muestra de 110 motociclistas de poblacion general de la ciudad de Mar del Plata (Argentina), que respondieron un instrumento de evaluacion de la inatencion durante la conduccion, una medida general sobre error atencional, una escala de experiencias disociativas, una medida de deseabilidad social, un cuestionario de actividades distractoras durante la conduccion, y un cuestionario de datos sociodemograficos e historial de incidentes de transito. La escala de inatencion durante la conduccion para motociclistas ( Attentional Related Driving Errors Scale-Motorcyclists

Falta de atenção como fator de risco em condutores de moto

Resumen Los choques que involucran motociclistas constituyen un problema creciente. No obstante, es poco lo que se conoce sobre sus patrones de desplazamiento, y sus comportamientos de riesgo y proteccion. En este trabajo se evalua si la inatencion en conductores de motos constituye un factor de riesgo para choques de transito y si ciertas variables personales se relacionan con las fallas atencionales durante la conduccion. Se trabajo con una muestra de 110 motociclistas de poblacion general de la ciudad de Mar del Plata (Argentina), que respondieron un instrumento de evaluacion de la inatencion durante la conduccion, una medida general sobre error atencional, una escala de experiencias disociativas, una medida de deseabilidad social, un cuestionario de actividades distractoras durante la conduccion, y un cuestionario de datos sociodemograficos e historial de incidentes de transito. La escala de inatencion durante la conduccion para motociclistas ( Attentional Related Driving Errors Scale-Motorcyclists