Psychology 409a, DATE

Psychology 409a, DATE

My fourth Outline of Assigned Readings

By: Teroa Paselio

Reference:  James, Leon. Ph.D., Nahl, Diane, Ph.D. Road Rage and Aggressive Driving:  Steering Clear of Highway Warfare, New York:  Prometheus Books, 2000.  Pages 202-213

Instructions for this activity are found at:

www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy23/409a-g23-oral.htm

Instructor:  Dr. Leon James

Concept 1:  Roadrageous Video Course

               A.  A drivers education video course unlike its traditional counterpart that focuses basically on attitude is aimed at teaching drivers problem solving techniques and the behavioral self-modification techniques.  In the long run these techniques will help drivers not only develop self control and problem solving but it fosters a sense of community

               B.  (partial) Table 9.1 Objectives Emphasized by the RoadRageous Video Course

                                Affective Objectives:            to strengthen the desire for lifelong driver self-improvement.

                                                                            to  neutralize or weaken existing negative driving attitudes.

                                Cognitive Objectives:           To understand why it’s necessary for drivers to develop inner standards of behavior.

                                                                            To understand what aggressive driving is and how to assess one’s aggressiveness as a driver.

These examples help improve the skills drivers need to develop a good driver-self.  Psychologically, this plays a significant part in helping drivers become aware of their affective and cognitive side of driving.

               C.  I think this concept is important for drivers who’s profession revolves around driving.  By understanding the objectives this concept points out ,it helps them to understand themselves better and understand the mental state of others too.

Concept 2:  Thinking Critically

               A.  This concept follows a scenario including two teenage boys. Step by step we target the bad driving behaviors these teenage drivers made and then discussing their actions through critical thinking.

               B.  Table 9.2

                                 Scenario Analysis of a Teenager’s Unrecognized Road Rage Behavior

 Emotionally Challenged Behavior

Segment from letter

How does each step contribute to trouble?

What would be smarter behavior?

1.  playing games on the highway

“I’m a 16-year-old boy and I was driving in tandem with a friend.”

2.  Driving after curfew

“It was almost midnight”

The table lists the teenager’s behaviors and the empty boxes are the parts that you would fill in.  These exercises will help a driver relate to the driving experience then put into action critical thinking that will allow them to think of an action that is more acceptable to society and the driving culture.

               C.  I chose this concept because it allows you to see a scenario and the wrong behaviors chosen, then go in and correct the behavior.  It gives you exposure to different situations without having to actually be in them.  This critical thinking will help when you are involved in a similar scenario.

Concept 3:  Older Drivers at Risk

               A.  Older drivers go through changes as drivers.  Due to aging their abilities are decreased.  However, they do have the upper hand when it comes to experience and thinking more critically behind the wheel as opposed to younger drivers as well as managing their emotions better.  As a society this concept suggest that we be supportive drivers and remember that a key aspect as a driver is to be in control of the vehicle and the situation.

               B.  One suggestion which I tried was to make a funny sound when you are angry behind the wheel, to try and slow down your breathing.  After trying this not only do I slow down my breathing and anger, but I end up forgetting what I was angry about.  This takes off the stress that I might be feeling and helps me not just physically but psychologically by not allowing stress to become a depressant for me.

               C.  I chose this concept because as a younger driver I think we can learn a lot from older drivers.  I also believe that we should learn how to be supportive drivers because the road doesn’t discriminate drivers allowing all and any driver on.  Therefore, if we learn to be supportive drivers and engage in lifelong driver education we became safe as young drivers as well as old drivers.

My Homepage:  www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/409af2005/paselio/home.htm

The G23 Class Home page:  www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy23/classhome-g23.htm

http://www.drdriving.org/courses/

http://www.drdriving.org/elderly/