Psychology 409A-December 2005
My Tenth Outline of
Assigned
By Gemma Clayson
“Driving Reality”
James, Dr.
Instructions for this activity are found at: www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy23/409a-g23-oral.htm
Instructor: Dr. Leon James
Concept One: Imagination Driving
A. In 1986 a report described an experiment on unconscious motives behind buying cars. In a normal state: price, reliability, comfort, and appearance were important factors buyers considered. When hypnotized the subjects spoke of the sense of freedom and exhilaration from driving fast. In their imaginations they were driving their super-fast and powerful dream cars.
B. Psychiatrists believe that these fantasies we have are being driven by our unfulfilled desires. This is similar to Freud, who says that every fantasy includes a wishful fulfillment. Therefore, we have idealized an image of ourselves in a dream car to advance this unfulfilled reality.
C. The imagination driving concept is an important concept for all drivers to be aware of. I can relate to this concept because when I imagine myself driving I do picture myself in a luxurious, smooth, and fast car while driving on an open freeway, free from distractions and other drivers in my way.
Concept Two: Music and the Machine
A. Music is an important part of a person’s driving experience. It can have a huge affect on the emotions and actions produced by the driver.
B. Music has power over a driver’s emotions. It can calm, excite, sooth, or inflame a person’s emotional state and every driver needs to be aware of their musical selection process. If a driver chooses music that enrages them and introduces aggressive thinking, there is a high possibility that it may exaggerate their emotional reactions in routine driving incidents. In contrast, calm music may work to ease aggressive thoughts and feelings and may possibly be used as a preventive agent in driving.
C. I support this concept because I can easily relate to it. When I drive I always listen to music. I have noticed that when I am listening to music that is upbeat, I tend to want to drive a lot faster than I normally would. Also, when I listen to music from bands such as: Korn, Slipknot, and Rage Against the Machine, I tend to want to take aggressive actions when I am behind the wheel.
Concept Three: Cell Phone Catastrophe
A. Cell phone usage while driving has become increasingly prevalent. It is important to recognize that talking on the phone while driving is obviously aggressive because it is risky for yourself and other drivers.
B. The NHTSA estimates that by the end of 2000, our society will contain 80 million cell phone users and 1% of traffic accidents will be due to cell phone use. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety in 1991 concluded that drivers who are involved in “complex conversations” while driving have slower reactions to routine events. This example of multi-tasking is considered risky and therefore aggressive because of the potential physical and psychological harm to yourself and towards other drivers.
C. Personally, I am one of the 80 million cell phone users. I also drive and talk on the phone and recognize that I am not 100% focused when engaging in that task. Worse yet, I sometimes find myself text messaging my friends in between traffic lights and while driving. After realizing that I am engaging in aggressive driving, I am now actively trying to hang up my phone until I come to a destination and have stopped text messaging completely.
G23 Class Home Page: www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy23/classhome-g23.htm
My Home Page: www.soc.hawaii.edu/leon/409af2005/clayson/home.htm
Related Web Links:
1. http://speakout.com/activism/issue_briefs/1334b-1.html -Cell Phone Laws and Usage
2. http://www.webmd.com/content/article/21/1728_55265 -Cell phone use and driving increases crash risk
3. http://www.connectingwithkids.com/tipsheet/2005/218_mar2/cell.html -Everything you need to know as a parent about cell phone use while driving