Cellular phone use while driving: A methodological checklist for investigating dual-task costs

Particular attention has been paid to the cognitive demands of driving a motor vehicle while simultaneously conversing on a cellular phone. This phenomenon has been investigated using three broad methods: correlational methods, simulator methods, and cognitive task methods. Strengths and weaknesses of each of these methods are reviewed, and patterns of findings from each method are discussed. As a result, a methodological checklist has been created to design consistent, optimal studies to investigate dual-task effect such as those present while concurrently driving and conversing on a cellular phone.