Mobile (cellular) phone use and driving: a critical review of research methodology

Studies have examined possible effects of concurrent mobile phone use on driving performance. Although interference is often apparent, determining the implications of such findings for 'real world' driving is problematic. This paper considers some relevant methodological issues including the definition of procedures and terms, operationalization of task elements, sampling of task components, and the provision of experimental controls. Suggestions are made about how methodological rigor could be improved.