Does the group membership shape evaluations on other drivers? The role of symbolic cues in traffic

Abstract

The present study investigated the effects of group membership on drivers’ evaluations of themselves and other drivers. An online survey was completed by 144 university students. As measurement, mini Driver Behavior Questionnaire (DBQ) with the addition of three aggressive violation items of the original DBQ, the Positive Driver Behavior Scale, and an adjective list were used. Participants assessed their own driving behavior as well as three different driver identities represented by three sets of car photographs. In-group (the university) identity, out-group (politically provocative) identity and no identity (control) were represented to participants by use of different car stickers and accessories. As our hypotheses suggested, the participants made the highest evaluations for their own driving behavior, while making the lowest evaluations for the out-group in both measures. Additionally, participants evaluated their in-group members' driving behaviors more favorable than other identities. Results were discussed in terms of social identity theory.