Using a Computer Simulated World to Study Behavioral Compliance with Warnings: Effects of Salience and Gender

Abstract

Warning signs are intended to alert persons to potential dangers in the environment. Despite its importance, empirical studies measuring behavioral compliance with warnings are limited due to methodological difficulties and ethical considerations in conducting the research. The present study used a computer simulated world as a new method for studying behavioral compliance. Such simulations can be constructed to appear realistic, thus maintaining ecological validity, while allowing control over experimental conditions. Three factors (time stress, salience, and sign type) were manipulated to determine their effects on a simulated egress task from an underground mine. Gender was also introduced as an additional independent variable. Results indicated signs with salient features increased compliance compared to signs without those features. Time stress and sign type failed to show significant effects. In general, women complied more frequently than men. Use of computer simulated worlds in warning compliance research is discussed.