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Q
uantitative
R
easoning &
P
roblem
S
olving
326
© 2014 Pacific Crest
Step
Watch it Work!
9.
Report findings
and generate new
questions (con’t)
Does the time of day make a difference as to the type of distraction?
If the 60 drivers who had accidents due to inattention could be contacted,
ask them if a phone or other technical device was a primary factor.
Can this study be repeated in other locales?
Would we expect the results to be different in states that prohibit all cell
phone use by drivers?
Has there been an increase in accidents attributed to cell phone usage?
Step 9 Link (available online)
The data in this link implies that while the cell phone may not be the
primary cause, the study shows with advanced multivariate statistics those
unimpaired male drivers especially will almost double accident rate if using
a cell phone.
10. Find additional
data
Step 10 Link 1 (available online)
The data here shows that California ban in 2008 did not reduce accidents.
Step 9 Link 2 (available online)
The data and analysis in Texas also shows no statistical benefit of reduction
in accidents by banning cell phone usage.
(It is possible that banning cell phone use is not the same as actually stop-
ping drivers from using cell phones while driving. Perhaps drivers continue
to use cell phones but are simply more careful about not being caught.)
11.
Findings
There is compelling evidence that accidents are occurring at a higher
frequency because of cell phone usage.
12. Additional
analysis
Show that the frequency and rate of accidents are correlated to the
increase usage of cell phones over the last 10 years.
13. Generalize
implications
While human behavior is fairly consistent across the United States (see the
various studies and policies being implemented), the data in this case came
from one corner in one town. We do need to be careful to not generalize
these findings too broadly. The impact of different laws and different
enforcement schemes may lead to different findings in different locations.
14. Produce analytical
report
See examples at sites previously noted
15. Lessons learned That laws don’t necessarily change behaviors. The asking of the right
question is what allows us to get to the essence of the inquiry and to the
level of understanding necessary to provide the evidence for the report.
There is a lot of data available for expanding an analysis, especially
associated with generalizing.