The Use of Self-Report Exposure Measures Among Novice Motorcyclists: Appropriateness and Best Practice Recommendations

Chika Sakashita*, Teresa Senserrick, Soufiane Boufous, Liz De Rome, Jane Elkington, Rebecca Ivers

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objectives: While self-report methods to collect exposure information have large practical advantages in many research contexts, little research has specifically investigated the reliability and validity of motorcyclists' self-reported exposure. The present study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of different self-report exposure measures and to provide recommendations on best practice self-report riding exposure questions. Methods: The reliability and validity of different self-report exposure measures were examined amongst novice motorcyclists through t-tests, Bland Altman plots, coefficients of variation, and correlations. Results: The most valid and reliable data was provided when riding exposure was asked for the current average week rather than earlier and longer periods, and in units of time rather than distance or number of trips. The greater reliability of riding exposure found amongst commuting and rural riders compared to recreational and metropolitan riders respectively and at the second interview compared to the first suggests that factors such as riding purposes, geographical locations, and riding experience can contribute to measurement error. Conclusions: If self-reported odometer readings are used, questions on whether the respondents share their own bike or ride more than one bike, and a built-in process to ensure respondents report the exact odometer reading on their bike are recommended. It is recommended that self-report riding exposure questions ask about the hours of riding for the current average week, and data on riding purposes, locations, and experience are also collected.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)491-500
Number of pages10
JournalTraffic injury prevention
Volume15
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • exposure
  • motorcycle
  • reliability
  • self-report
  • validity

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