Journal article
Using simulation to assess the ability of youth to safely operate tractors
Transportation research. Part F, Traffic psychology and behaviour, Vol.48, pp.28-37
07/2017
DOI: 10.1016/j.trf.2017.04.021
Abstract
•We developed a simulated virtual tractor environment.•We evaluated feasibility of using simulation to assess children’s cognitive abilities.•The simulation had adequate face validity and excellent internal consistency.•There was some evidence of construct validity across age groups.•Simulation is feasible for assessing youth cognitive abilities for operating tractors.
Operating farm tractors is dangerous for children. Recent studies document mismatches between children and physical requirements for operating tractors. The role of cognition has not been studied, because such research conducted in real-life situations places youth at risk. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and psychometric properties of a simulated virtual tractor environment to examine how children’s age and development impacts safe tractor operations.
Fifty-five male youth ages 10–17 living/working on farms with experience driving tractors tested the virtual environment and simulation modules. Six adult male farmers were recruited as a reference group to compare youth performance with adults.
The simulation had adequate face validity with realism scores reported between “somewhat” and “quite” realistic. Internal reliability of the simulation was excellent, as demonstrated by highly significant intraclass correlations for key indicators of performance (speeds and hazard clearances). While there was some evidence for construct validity, as indicated by trends in performance across the age groups, findings were mixed.
Study findings support using simulation for assessing the abilities of children to safely operate tractors.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Using simulation to assess the ability of youth to safely operate tractors
- Creators
- Barbara Marlenga - Marshfield ClinicRichard L. Berg - Marshfield ClinicWilliam Pickett - Queen's UniversityTimothy Brown - University of IowaNicole Becklinger - University of IowaDavid C. Schwebel - University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Transportation research. Part F, Traffic psychology and behaviour, Vol.48, pp.28-37
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.trf.2017.04.021
- ISSN
- 1369-8478
- eISSN
- 1873-5517
- Publisher
- Elsevier India Pvt Ltd
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 07/2017
- Academic Unit
- Research Administration; Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics; Industrial and Systems Engineering; Injury Prevention Research Center
- Record Identifier
- 9984627253702771
Metrics
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