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

<b>Abstract</b><b>Objectives:</b> Underpinned by pragmatism and symbolic interactionism, an inductive content analysis was conducted to assess participants’ experiences of driving under a variety of music conditions. <b>Background:</b> 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. <b>Method:</b> Data collection took place over three simulated driving studies, each with different tasks/participants (Study 1 – <i>n</i> = 34, Study 2 – <i>n</i> = 46, and Study 3 – <i>n</i> = 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. <b>Results:</b> 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. <b>Conclusion:</b> 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. <b>Application:</b> Younger drivers’ apparent reliance on music as a means by which to regulate emotion highlights a need for education of novice drivers.<br>Detailed Description of Data FileThis 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?