Groupdrink: the effects of alcohol on intergroup competitiveness.
Alcohol is often consumed in group settings. The present article examines the effect of alcohol on intergroup competitiveness through the use of a prisoner's dilemma game. One hundred fifty-eight college students participated in the study, either individually or as a member of a 4-person experimental single-sex group. Participants consumed either alcohol (1.13 g ethanol/kg body weight) or a placebo. Results show no effect of alcohol on cooperative choice within individuals. However, groups were significantly less cooperative after consuming alcohol than they were after consuming a placebo. In addition, after consuming alcohol, groups were less cooperative than were individuals. Results are discussed in terms of the way alcohol may affect focus of attention on group-level cues.
Hopthrow
Timothy
T
Department of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK. t.hopthrow@kent.ac.uk
Abrams
Dominic
D
Frings
Daniel
D
Hulbert
Lorne G
LG
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000523:psychology*; D003163:Competitive Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005260:Female; D005716:Game Theory; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology