Ageing and word processing competence: compensation or compilation?

Composition and compilation were examined as two alternative hypotheses relating to 'cognitive competence' in older adults. Techniques of molar equivalence-molecular decomposition (ME-MD) and molecular equivalence-molar analysis (ME-MA) were used to investigate performance of experienced (over 100 hours) younger (18-30 years) and older (45-66 years) adults on a word processing task, requiring insertion and deletion of words from passages of text. There was some indication that typing skill may form the basis of a compensatory mechanism. However, differences between 'good' and 'poor' performers in the older sample supported the position that high levels of complex task skill in older adults are associated with the possession (possibly through maintenance) of high levels of basic cognitive capacities, and are not related to the integration of molecular task components.

Driver stress and performance on a driving simulator.

Effects of stress on driving performance can depend on the nature of driver's stress reactions and on the traffic environment. In an experimental study, we assessed multiple dimensions of vulnerability to driver stress by a questionnaire that was validated in previous field studies and related those dimensions to performance on a driving simulator. Results were broadly consistent with prediction. A dimension of habitual dislike of driving was associated with reduced control skills, greater caution, and disturbance of moods. A measure of aggressive driving predicted more frequent and more error-prone overtaking, which are effects attributed to the use of confrontive coping strategies in interaction with other vehicles. An alertness measure predicted speed of reaction to pedestrian hazards. This research has practical applications for system design, automated monitoring of driver performance, selection and assessment of drivers, and training.

Age and gender differences in perceived accident likelihood and driver competences.

Road traffic accident involvement rates show clear age and gender differences which may in part be accounted for by differences in risk perception and perceptions of driving competence. The present study extends and replicates that of Matthews and Moran (1986). Young (18-30 years) and older (45-60 years) male and female drivers responded to a questionnaire on perceived accident risk and driving competence (judgment and skill) with respect to themselves and four target groups, and also rated a series of videotaped driving sequences with respect to likelihood of accident occurrence and perceived driving competence. Results showed that effects of rater characteristics were generally confined to the questionnaire. Younger males were perceived as most likely to experience an accident and were judged to be lower than other groups in driving competence. Younger groups showed little bias against older groups and vice versa, but gender-related bias was apparent. The findings of Matthews and Moran were generally confirmed. The results are discussed with reference to four main issues: (1) demographic bias effects--which are generally weak; (2) stereotyping on the basis of gender and/or age of driver; (3) group-specific bias; (4) self-appraisal bias.