Cell Phone-Induced Driver Impairment

Determining whether the risk of cell phone usage actually impairs driving skills requires a control condition in order to separate out any underlying influencers which could also have effect.  When scientific studies are initiated for the purpose of answering a specific hypothesis, the scientist must compare apples to apples in order to receive a valid answer (Pearson: Scientific Literacy, 2011). While it is unlikely that all potential influential variables can be eliminated absolutely, scientists are still able to determine within a reasonable degree whether the control variable does, in fact, have effect upon the condition.

For this particular test, subjects should be divided into two separate groups: one group assigned to use a cell phone while driving a car, and the second group permitted no cell phone use while driving. Both groups should have the same number of test subjects, and both groups should be relatively gender balanced.  One means to achieve this balance is to assign each participant a number, dividing the males from the females, and randomly drawing one female and one male for each round of group selection. Such a measure will ensure that the groups are gender balanced while retaining random sampling, eliminating the potential for bias in group assignment.

Finally, the researchers should design the experiment to eliminate additional outlying influencers by utilizing a simulator. The benefit of a simulator would be the ability to eliminate uncontrolled noise, eliminate any unexpected obstacles in the road (Pearson: Scientific Literacy, 2011), and the ability to replicate the experience so that the only measured control condition would be cell phone usage.  To further reduce outside influencers, the study participants should have relatively the same number of years of driving experience, should have relatively the same amount of sleep, and the cell phone users should be experienced with technology.

Reference

Pearson: Scientific Literacy. (2011, December 9). Work the Scientific Literacy Model, Chapter 2: Research Methods. United States.