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

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 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?