| This study examined potential determinants of the marked rise in impulsive behavior in society. The current rise in impulsivity has contributed to life-altering consequences such as the end of relationships, serious injuries and incarceration. Various factors are believed to contribute to this rise in impulsive behavior. Some blame genetics; others criticize our contemporary lifestyle, while still others point to physiology. All aforementioned elements were reviewed.; It was hypothesized that a high level of hobby and leisure technology usage correlates with a low level of impulse control. The population for this research was traditional age (18-23) college students. The data were collected on November 18, 2005 at Berea College in Berea, Kentucky. Sixty respondents submitted a signed informed consent form, a Barratt Impulsivity Scale Revised-11 (BIS R-11), and a Technology Rating Scale (TRS) developed by the researcher. Information obtained by the two study-specific assessments comprised the examined data. The BIS R-11 pertained to a person's decision making patterns, ability to sustain attention, and ability to control bodily movements. The TRS elicited information regarding the type of technology used, the amount of usage and the affinity felt towards technology. A Pearson-Product Moment Correlational Analysis was performed on all data.; The null hypothesis which posited no difference between users or non-users of leisure technology on impulse control, was supported in that there was no significant correlation between technology usage and level of impulse control. However, the data revealed a significant correlation at the 0.01 level between impulsivity and one's attitude toward technology. The results point to impulse control being manipulated by technology, but only within specific parameters. Further research is warranted in order to more clearly understand this dimension of personality. |
