Distraction affects driving ability. Suggest operational definitions for the variable of distraction and the variable of driving ability.

Operational Definition for Distraction

1. Definition: Distraction refers to any external or internal stimuli that diverts the driver's attention away from the primary task of driving.
2. Measurement: Distraction can be operationalized by quantifying the number of distractions experienced during a driving task, such as:
   • Count of distractions: This could be the number of times a driver's attention is shifted to external factors (e.g., checking a phone, talking to a passenger).
   • Duration of distraction: The total time (in seconds) during which the driver is not focused on the road.
   • Types of distractions: Categorizing distractions into auditory (e.g., phone calls), visual (e.g., looking at the GPS), and manual (e.g., adjusting the radio).

Operational Definition for Driving Ability

1. Definition: Driving ability refers to a driver's capacity to operate a vehicle safely and effectively, which includes their skills, reaction times, and decision-making processes while on the road.
2. Measurement: Driving ability can be operationalized by evaluating:
   • Reaction time: The time taken by a driver to respond to a stimulus (e.g., traffic light change).
   • Error rate: The number of mistakes made during a driving simulation or real-world driving, such as making wrong turns or not responding appropriately to traffic signals.
   • Driving scores: Assessment scores derived from standardized driving tests that measure various skills such as maneuvering, speed control, and understanding of traffic laws.

These operational definitions provide a clear framework for measuring the effects of distraction on driving ability in a research context.