Distraction does not impair memory during intoxication: support for the attention-allocation model.
OBJECTIVE
This study was developed to offer direct support for the Josephs and Steele attention-allocation model. The model suggests that alcohol consumption limits attentional resources to the most salient environmental cue.


METHODS
Forty men participated in a study designed to test the model using measures of memory and attention during ethanol intoxication. Twenty completed memory tests in the presence of a background distractor and 20 completed the tests without a distractor, in two sessions: once while intoxicated (80 mg/dl BAC) and once while sober.


RESULTS
A significant Distraction x Intoxication interaction indicated that ethanol-related differences in recall occurred only in the absence of distraction. Distraction impaired subjects only when they were sober.


CONCLUSIONS
Results support the Josephs and Steele attention-allocation model. Findings are discussed in broad terms of an individual's cognitive capabilities when intoxicated and in terms of risk for later alcoholism.
Erblich
J
J
Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90089-1061, USA.
Earleywine
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000523:psychology*; D001288:Attention / Q000187:drug effects; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects; D000431:Ethanol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000187:drug effects; D010153:Paired-Associate Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D013067:Speech Perception / Q000187:drug effects; D014888:Wechsler Scales
D000431:Ethanol