3. Research methodology
3.1. Procedure and participants
Self-administered questionnaires, containing all variables
involved in the research model of the present study, were completed
by undergraduate bachelor university students in applied
economic sciences and communication studies. The students were
assured that their responses were anonymous and confidential,
and that no information would be passed on to supervisors or fellow
students. Provisions were made to guarantee the participants’
privacy and confidentiality during the administration.
Two data collections from the same individuals were conducted.
The first data collection started in February 2013 (at time
1 – indicated as ‘‘T1’’). Of the original 219 students in the sample
at T1, 172 (78%) students participated 12 weeks later, in May 2013 (at time 2 – indicated as ‘‘T2’’). At T1, the students’ characteristics
of safety attitude, safety norm, sensation-seeking personality
trait and type A personality, were investigated. At T2, the students’
reading and following safety instructions was investigated. Only
students who participated at both T1 and T2 were included in
the analyses. The average age of the students (at T1) was
20.01 years (SD = 1.56), with 49.4% men (n = 85) and 50.6% women
(n = 87).