Thinking aloud on the road: Thematic differences in the experiences of drivers, cyclists, and motorcyclists
Thinking aloud on the road: Thematic differences in the experiences of drivers, cyclists, and motorcyclists
This study takes a qualitative approach to exploring the experiences (and differences therein) of individuals using either their car, bicycle, or motorcycle to navigate a ∼10.5 km urban route in a provincial UK city, with the aim of contributing to our understanding of the needs and requirements of different road users. Forty-six individuals provided concurrent verbal reports, using the ‘think aloud’ method, whilst using their vehicle to navigate the test route, the transcripts of which were subjected to a theory-agnostic, inductive, thematic analysis. A number of group differences were observed, revealing (among other factors) the importance of road surface quality to cyclists, the focus on vigilant observation in motorcyclists, and the heightened emotionality experienced by both two-wheeled groups, particularly those on bicycles. This affective component has, as yet, been under-explored in the academic domain and under-utilised in road transport policy and strategy; this is discussed, with attention drawn to the cyclists’ greater tendency to make negatively valenced value judgements. Results are also discussed in terms of the potential to improve road users’ experiences, foster inter-group empathy and understanding, and encourage a shift in mobility towards more sustainable modes.
Inductive thematic analysis, Road safety, Road user experience, Sustainability, Think aloud
192-209
McIlroy, Rich C.
68e56daa-5b0b-477e-a643-3c7b78c1b85d
Plant, Katherine L.
3638555a-f2ca-4539-962c-422686518a78
Stanton, Neville A.
351a44ab-09a0-422a-a738-01df1fe0fadd
2 November 2021
McIlroy, Rich C.
68e56daa-5b0b-477e-a643-3c7b78c1b85d
Plant, Katherine L.
3638555a-f2ca-4539-962c-422686518a78
Stanton, Neville A.
351a44ab-09a0-422a-a738-01df1fe0fadd
McIlroy, Rich C., Plant, Katherine L. and Stanton, Neville A.
(2021)
Thinking aloud on the road: Thematic differences in the experiences of drivers, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, 83, .
(doi:10.1016/j.trf.2021.09.014).
Abstract
This study takes a qualitative approach to exploring the experiences (and differences therein) of individuals using either their car, bicycle, or motorcycle to navigate a ∼10.5 km urban route in a provincial UK city, with the aim of contributing to our understanding of the needs and requirements of different road users. Forty-six individuals provided concurrent verbal reports, using the ‘think aloud’ method, whilst using their vehicle to navigate the test route, the transcripts of which were subjected to a theory-agnostic, inductive, thematic analysis. A number of group differences were observed, revealing (among other factors) the importance of road surface quality to cyclists, the focus on vigilant observation in motorcyclists, and the heightened emotionality experienced by both two-wheeled groups, particularly those on bicycles. This affective component has, as yet, been under-explored in the academic domain and under-utilised in road transport policy and strategy; this is discussed, with attention drawn to the cyclists’ greater tendency to make negatively valenced value judgements. Results are also discussed in terms of the potential to improve road users’ experiences, foster inter-group empathy and understanding, and encourage a shift in mobility towards more sustainable modes.
Text
1-s2.0-S1369847821002187-main
- Version of Record
More information
Accepted/In Press date: 13 September 2021
e-pub ahead of print date: 2 November 2021
Published date: 2 November 2021
Keywords:
Inductive thematic analysis, Road safety, Road user experience, Sustainability, Think aloud
Identifiers
Local EPrints ID: 453092
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/453092
ISSN: 1369-8478
PURE UUID: c949a63c-b6f8-4a07-b07e-0ba86dcd171e
Catalogue record
Date deposited: 07 Jan 2022 19:00
Last modified: 18 Mar 2024 03:41
Export record
Altmetrics
Download statistics
Downloads from ePrints over the past year. Other digital versions may also be available to download e.g. from the publisher's website.
View more statistics
