Age Differences in the Functional Field-of-View while Driving: A Preliminary Simulator-Based Study

Abstract

This study represents an initial exploration of a new technique developed to permit the assessment of age differences in the “useful field of view” (Ball, et al., 1993) while simultaneously operating a motor vehicle. Due to necessary safety precautions, this novel approach was first evaluated using a simulated rather than a real-world driving context. Data was collected from seventeen young (mean age = 19.8) and eight older (mean age = 72.9) adult volunteers. Preliminary data analyses indicated that the technique was sensitive to “tunnel vision” effects resulting from experimentally induced limitations in the time available to process stimulus target “onset” events in the visual periphery. The magnitude and time-course of these effects differed markedly as a function of the age of the observer. Shortcomings in the current implementation of the technique and planned improvements are also discussed.