Research team contacts

Principal Researcher:

Dr David Rodwell, School of Psychology & Counselling, QUT

Associate Researcher:

Dr Sina Rejali, School of Psychology & Counselling, QUT

Research Student:

Abbey Dickson, Psychology and Counselling, QUT

Research Centre / Group:

MAIC-QUT Road Safety Research Collaboration

What is the purpose of this research?

The purpose of this research is to understand driver’s intentions to actively notice and manage internal cognitive states that pull their attention away from driving-related tasks, such as daydreaming, rumination, intrusive thoughts, zoning out, or getting lost in thought. The study also intends to examine how differences in trait distractibility and executive functioning may influence a driver’s intentions to self-regulate these distractions. Trait distractibility refers to how much a person’s attention tends to be pulled away from a task by other sights, sounds, or thoughts, and is fairly consistent across time and situations. Executive functioning refers to the brain’s ability to help you plan, focus, remember instructions, and control your actions to get things done.

Are you looking for people like me?

You are invited to participate in this research project because you are 18 years or older, currently reside in Australia, hold a valid Australian (Full/Open or Provisional/Probationary) driver’s licence or international driver’s licence, and you drive at least once per week.

What will you ask me to do?

If you agree to participate you will be asked to complete an anonymous online questionnaire that will take around 20 minutes of your time.

Are there any risks for me in taking part?

There are minimal risks from taking part in this study. These include the possibility of brief mild discomfort when answering questions about distracted driving-related experiences including crashes and offenses, and your distractibility and executive functioning.

Are there any benefits for me in taking part?

It is expected that this research project will not directly benefit you. The outcomes of the research, however, may contribute to improved understanding of cognitive distraction in drivers and inform future road-safety programs and traffic psychology research.

Will I be compensated for my time?

To recognise your contribution should you choose to participate the research team is offering you the option to enter a prize draw for a chance to win one of the four $50 Prezzee Smart eGift Cards.

I am interested - what should I do next?

Please click on the following link to get more information and participate:

Apply now

QUT Ethics Number: 10982