Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MSc)

Department

Kinesiology and Physical Education

Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

First Advisor

Dr. Michael Cinelli

Advisor Role

Associate Professor

Abstract

Avoiding collisions with other pedestrians is a daily necessity for individuals across all age groups. While previous studies have examined older adult (OA) and middle childhood-aged (MCA) children’s road-crossing behaviours and mutual collision avoidance on a 90-degree angle, there is a lack of research examining how these populations mutually avoid head-on collisions with approaching pedestrians. Therefore, the objective of the present thesis was to determine whether OA and MCA children are able to use optical variables, such as retinal expansion rate, in a timely manner to predict and maintain passing order through an aperture. To meet this objective, two studies were conducted. First, the mutual avoidance behaviours of ten 10-year-olds (122.9 months ± 4.98, 142.4 ± 9.97 cm tall, 7 females) and ten 12-year-olds (148.8 months ± 3.77, 150.5 cm ± 9.42, 3 females). It was hypothesized that 12-year-olds would display more “accurate” or adult-like mutual avoidance behaviors compared to 10-year-olds. All participants interacted with the same female research assistant (RA) (19 years, 152 cm tall) across trials. Starting at opposite sides of a 10 m pathway, the participant and RA were instructed to approach one another, and mutually decide who would pass first through a 90 cm wide aperture located halfway (5 m) along the path. Kinematic trunk data and gaze were analyzed using the Optotrak motion analysis system and Tobii Pro 2 glasses, respectively. All participants completed a perceptual task measuring accuracy and response time. The results revealed that both 10- and 12-year-olds have similar accuracy on a perceptual task and similar mutual avoidance behaviours. However, 12-year-olds responded significantly faster on the perceptual task testing vision-for-perception and displayed more adult-like gaze behaviours during the mutual avoidance. Therefore, although 12-year-olds ability to use vision for action remains underdeveloped, they appear to have more mature perceptual processing compared to 10-year-olds. The second study examined the mutual avoidance behaviours of fifteen OA (69.9 ± 2.72 years, 12 females) and fifteen YA (23.1 ± 2.94 years, 8 females). It was hypothesized that OA would display more inversions in crossing order and contribute less to the avoidance than YA, indicated by smaller adaptations in their approach speed. Two participants were instructed to walk at a comfortable speed along a 15 m pathway with a 90 cm wide aperture located at the halfway point. Trials were randomized such that individuals interacted with another walker from the same age group and the opposite age group an equal number of times within an experimental session. Results revealed that a greater number of inversions occurred during trials when an OA and YA interacted, such that when the young adults gave way to the older adult. Additionally, whenever an OA was on a collision course with a YA, the YA contributed more to the avoidance regardless of passing order. Alternatively, when two individuals of the same age group interacted, there was no difference in the number of inversions in crossing order. This suggests that when two same-aged individuals interact, there is no need for one to compensate for the ability of another, possibly due to a better understanding of the other person’s (similar) capabilities for action. Collectively, the findings of the present thesis demonstrate that regardless of age, individuals can mutually avoid a collision when approaching a confined space. However, an individuals’ accuracy and efficiency in perceiving the optical information necessary to inform their avoidance behaviours appears to be influenced age.

Convocation Year

2024

Convocation Season

Fall

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Available for download on Saturday, August 28, 2027

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