Report 2:Gender Differences in Driving Norms. Are Men More Aggressive Drivers Than Women?
| It is a common
stereotype that men are more aggressive than females. I thought it
would be interesting if I could incorporate this notion into a driving
study for the purposes of this class. Therefore, I decided to form
a survey that concentrated on gender differences in aggressive driving.
There were previous students who had also done reports on gender differences
in driving, but their reports were a little different from mine.
For example, C.Kawamura
and Ms.
Finta both did reports regarding the same topic but they did not make
a questionnaire or collect data. Instead they summarized a prior
student's, Cara
Lucey, report, included email postings on gender differences, and commented
on other student's past reports. Both of their findings were the
same, that there were mixed opinions on whether or not men are more aggressive
drivers than women. One interesting idea, however, was that women
are beginning to demonstrate an increase in aggressive tendencies.
The only past generational student that I could find who did a report similar
to mine was Cara
Lucey. She made a questionnaire and placed particular emphasis
on norms, stereotypes, and expectations.
In this report I will define aggression and investigate what causes it. I will also propose a hypothesis for my survey and analyze my results. I visited Dr.Drivings's Test Bank to get ideas for my survey. Here are some of the tests that I used to help formulate my survey question: Dr. Driving's World Road Rage Survey, Road Rage Survey by Jennifer S. Durm, and Aggressive driving tendencies of men and women. |
| Aggression can be defined as a deliberate action or behavior that is intended to cause physical or psychological pain (Aronson: 457). There are two kinds of aggression, hostile and instrumental aggression. Hostile Aggression stems from feelings or anger and often leads an infliction of pain or injury (Aronson: 457). With instrumental aggression, however, there is also an intent to hurt the other person but for some other goal other that causing pain, for example, a football player who tackles his opponent to prevent him from making a touch down (Aronson: 457). The focus of this report will be on hostile aggression, one that we are probably all familiar with. I will be discussing what causes aggression, gender differences in aggression, and will introduce my survey on gender differences in aggressive driving. |
| What causes aggression? Research has shown frustration to be a major contribution factor of aggression. The Frustration -aggression theory states that when people believe that they are being prevented from achieving their goal, frustration will mount, causing an increase in the probability of an aggressive response (Aronson: 466). The closer the goal is, the greater the expectation of pleasure, thus if the goal is impeded upon, the more likely an aggressive act will follow. Frustration, however, does not lead to an aggressive act in every situation, rather it is dependent upon other things such as the other person?s ability to retaliate. Aggression is usually exacerbates when frustration is unexpected, but weakens if frustration is unintentional and legitimate. Another cause of aggression, is the need to reciprocate after being provoked by another person. The idea of "turning the other check" is many times easier said than done (Aronson: 468). Certain chemicals, such as testosterone, have even been shown to influence aggression, which leads us into the question of whether or not gender plays a key role in aggression. |
| Testosterone is a male sex hormone that is associated with aggression (Aronson: 462). There have been several studies on animals and humans that demonstrate the link between increased levels of testosterone and increased aggressiveness. According to these findings, it can be safe to assume that men are more aggressive than females, in fact, there is evidence that supports this notion. What remains uncertain is whether this difference is attributed only to biological differences or to social learning differences as well. After all, we do live in a society based heavily upon stereotypes and sex-roles where women are seen as more nurturing and less assertive than men. I wanted to see if this gender difference in aggression really did exist so I created a survey that examined the levels of aggressiveness in male and female drivers. |
| Due to the
well established idea that men are more aggressive than female, I proposed
a hypothesis that males would be more aggressive drivers than females.
I passed my survey out to seventeen males and seventeen female. The
survey consisted of a series of questions that evaluated one?s driving
behavior. The survey was divided into four categories that were scored
accordingly: Category I, were what I thought to be mild aggressive behaviors,
thus a response of often warranted 3 points, sometimes-2 points, rarely-1
point, and never-0 points; Category II were more moderate aggressive behaviors
and thus a response of often received 6 points, sometimes-4 points, rarely-2
points, and never-0 points; Category III were for severe aggressive behaviors
so for a response of often, nine points was issued, sometimes-6 points,
rarely-3 points, and never-0 points: Finally, category IV, was just to
get and idea of what kinds of emotions were motivating the individuals?
driving behavior.
After I collected and tabulated all of the surveys, I found the mean aggression level, standard deviation, and range for males and females. Males had a mean aggression level of 54.35, a standard deviation of 28.12, and a range of 103. Females, on the other hand, had a mean aggression level of 42.12, a standard deviation of 19.62, and a range of 60. Males on the average, demonstrated higher levels of aggression while driving and also had more variability within the group. The results, therefore, supported my hypothesis that males are more aggressive drivers than females. Perhaps testosterone and stereotypes, such as women being more passive than men, are indeed key factors in aggressive tendencies. It is also interesting to point out that males on the average seemed to experience less pressure from other motorist to drive aggressively than females, as if their aggression is innate. Females also responded more frequently to feeling compassion for other drivers and experiencing fear while driving, reinforcing the stereotype that women are more nurturing and cautious. In conclusion then, it appears to be that gender differences in aggression can be attributed to both biological and social factors. It is important to note that although my results did coincide with prior evidence, my sample size was very small (34 subject) and was not distributed in a random fashion. The results were thus biased and not generalizeable to the entire population. |
Source: Aronson, Elliot, Timothy D. Wilson, and Robin M. Akert. Social Psychology. Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers Inc., New York: 1999.
How often do you... Circle one that best applies to you
| Drive 5-10 mph over the speed limit? |
|
| Change lanes or make turns without signaling? |
|
| Make illegal turns? |
|
| Follow close to the car in front of you? |
|
| Fail to come to a complete stop at a stop sign? |
|
| Stare at other drivers when they upset you? |
|
| Deny the right of way to other motorists? |
|
| Cut other drivers off? |
|
How often do you... Circle one that best applies to you
| Drive 11-25 mph over the speed limit? |
|
| Honk your horn out of frustration of others? |
|
| Intentionally run red lights or stop signs? |
|
| Tailgate another car dangerously? |
|
| Yell or swear at other drivers? |
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| Use obscene hand gestures while on the road? |
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| Weave in and out of traffic? |
|
| Rev your engine? |
|
| Use your high beam lights to retaliate? |
|
How often do you... Circle one that best applies to you
| Drive 26 or more mph over the speed limit? |
|
| Brake suddenly to punish a tailgater? |
|
| Intentionally cut someone off to retaliate? |
|
| Block cars trying to pass or change lanes |
|
| Race or challenge other drivers? |
|
| Chase another car in pursuit? |
|
| Get into physical fights with other drivers? |
|
| Intentionally damage someone else's vehicle? |
|
How often do you... Circle one that best applies to you
| Experience anger or rage while you are driving? |
|
| Experience pressure from other motorists to drive aggressively? |
|
| Experience satisfaction from driving recklessly? |
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| Take pleasure in annoying other drivers? |
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| Feel Compassion for other drivers? |
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| Feel Competitive with other drivers? |
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| Experience fear for self and passengers while driving? |
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| Feel impatient and the urge to get to your destination in the least amount of time? |
|
Are you: Male Female (circle one)
How often do you... Males Females
| Drive 5-10 mph over the speed limit? | Often: 13 Sometimes: 4
Rarely: 0 Never: 0 |
Often: 16 Sometimes:1
Rarely: 0 Never: 0 |
| Change lanes or make turns without signaling? | Often: 6 Sometimes:
8
Rarely: 2 Never: 1 |
Often: 4 Sometimes:
9
Rarely: 4 Never: 0 |
| Make illegal turns? | Often: 1 Sometimes:
6
Rarely: 9 Never: 1 |
Often: 0 Sometimes:
3
Rarely: 13 Never: 1 |
| Follow close to the car in front of you? | Often: 3 Sometimes:
8
Rarely: 5 Never: 1 |
Often: 4 Sometimes:
4
Rarely: 9 Never: 0 |
| Fail to come to a complete stop at a stop sign? | Often: 5 Sometimes:
10
Rarely: 1 Never: 1 |
Often: 5 Sometimes:
8
Rarely: 3 Never: 1 |
| Stare at other drivers when they upset you? | Often: 8 Sometimes:
1
Rarely: 7 Never: 1 |
Often: 5 Sometimes:
5
Rarely: 6 Never: 1 |
| Deny the right of way to other motorists? | Often: 0 Sometimes:
4
Rarely: 12 Never: 1 |
Often: 2 Sometimes:
3
Rarely: 8 Never: 4 |
| Cut other drivers off? | Often: 1 Sometimes:
3
Rarely: 10 Never: 3 |
Often: 0 Sometimes:
1
Rarely: 15 Never: 1 |
Category II.
How often do you... Males Females
| Drive 11-25 mph over the speed limit? | Often: 8 Sometimes:
5
Rarely: 4 Never: 0 |
Often: 5 Sometimes:
8
Rarely: 3 Never: 1 |
| Honk your horn out of frustration of others? | Often: 0 Sometimes:
4
Rarely: 3 Never: 10 |
Often: 3 Sometimes:
0
Rarely: 7 Never: 7 |
| Intentionally run red lights or stop signs? | Often: 1 Sometimes:
2
Rarely: 6 Never: 8 |
Often: 0 Sometimes:
0
Rarely: 7 Never: 10 |
| Tailgate another car dangerously? | Often: 1 Sometimes:
2
Rarely: 7 Never: 7 |
Often: 0 Sometimes:
4
Rarely: 3 Never: 10 |
| Yell or swear at other drivers? | Often: 2 Sometimes:
5
Rarely: 6 Never: 4 |
Often: 4 Sometimes:
2
Rarely:10 Never: 1 |
| Use obscene hand gestures while on the road? | Often: 0 Sometimes:
6
Rarely: 6 Never: 5 |
Often: 2 Sometimes:
2
Rarely: 5 Never: 8 |
| Weave in and out of traffic? | Often: 2 Sometimes:
5
Rarely: 8 Never: 2 |
Often: 2 Sometimes:
3
Rarely: 9 Never: 3 |
| Rev your engine? | Often: 2 Sometimes:
1
Rarely: 6 Never: 8 |
Often: 0 Sometimes:
0
Rarely: 2 Never: 15 |
| Use your high beam lights to retaliate? | Often: 1 Sometimes:
4
Rarely: 2 Never: 10 |
Often: 1 Sometimes:
1
Rarely: 2 Never: 13 |
Category III.
How often do you... Males Females
| Drive 26 or more mph over the speed limit? | Often: 1 Sometimes:
3
Rarely: 9 Never: 4 |
Often: 1 Sometimes:
1
Rarely: 6 Never: 9 |
| Brake suddenly to punish a tailgater? | Often: 2 Sometimes:
2
Rarely: 5 Never: 8 |
Often: 2 Sometimes:
2
Rarely: 4 Never: 9 |
| Intentionally cut someone off to retaliate? | Often: 3 Sometimes:
3
Rarely: 4 Never: 7 |
Often: 0 Sometimes:
3
Rarely: 5 Never: 9 |
| Block cars trying to pass or change lanes | Often: 2 Sometimes:
8
Rarely: 5 Never: 2 |
Often: 4 Sometimes:
4
Rarely: 4 Never: 5 |
| Race or challenge other drivers? | Often: 1 Sometimes:
4
Rarely: 5 Never: 7 |
Often: 0 Sometimes:
0
Rarely: 5 Never: 12 |
| Chase another car in pursuit? | Often: 1 Sometimes:
4
Rarely: 5 Never: 7 |
Often: 0 Sometimes:
0
Rarely: 1 Never: 16 |
| Get into physical fights with other drivers? | Often: 0 Sometimes:
0
Rarely: 1 Never: 16 |
Often: 0 Sometimes:
0
Rarely: 0 Never: 17 |
| Intentionally damage someone else's vehicle? | Often: 0 Sometimes:
0
Rarely: 3 Never: 14 |
Often: 0 Sometimes:
1
Rarely: 0 Never: 16 |
Category IV.
How often do you... Males Females
| Experience anger or rage while you are driving? | Often: 3 Sometimes:
7
Rarely: 7 Never: 0 |
Often: 1 Sometimes:
8
Rarely: 7 Never: 1 |
| Experience pressure from other motorists to drive aggressively? | Often: 0 Sometimes:
3
Rarely: 10 Never: 4 |
Often: 2 Sometimes:
5
Rarely: 7 Never: 3 |
| Experience satisfaction from driving recklessly? | Often: 0 Sometimes:
1
Rarely: 8 Never: 8 |
Often: 0 Sometimes:
2
Rarely: 6 Never: 9 |
| Take pleasure in annoying other drivers? | Often: 0 Sometimes:
3
Rarely: 8 Never: 6 |
Often: 2 Sometimes:
4
Rarely: 5 Never: 6 |
| Feel Compassion for other drivers? | Often: 2 Sometimes:
9
Rarely: 6 Never: 0 |
Often: 5 Sometimes:
7
Rarely: 5 Never: 0 |
| Feel Competitive with other drivers? | Often: 2 Sometimes:
6
Rarely: 7 Never: 2 |
Often: 0 Sometimes:
4
Rarely: 7 Never: 6 |
| Experience fear for self and passengers while driving? | Often: 2 Sometimes:
6
Rarely: 6 Never: 3 |
Often: 4 Sometimes:
5
Rarely: 6 Never: 2 |
| Feel impatient and the urge to get to your destination in the least amount of time? | Often: 7 Sometimes:
6
Rarely: 4 Never: 0 |
Often: 11 Sometimes: 4
Rarely: 2 Never: 0 |
|
Avoid unnecessary questions, only use what is pertinent to your topic or that you can calculated and explain (I made this mistake with the questions regarding emotions. I was not advanced enough in statistics to calculate these, leaving me with mostly inconclusive result in Category IV). |
| Although my survey yielded result that showed males on the average to be more aggressive than female drivers, it appears that this test alone is not enough to give validity to this claim. The sample size was small and was not compiled in a random fashion. There may have been ambiguity in some of the survey questions and the study did not control for certain variables such as age. There are several factors the could have influenced and affected the results making then unreliable. Never the less, there does appear to be some gender difference in aggressive driving, but whether they are attributed to biological factors, social factors, or both, remains to be at question. |
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