Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026

Disruption of Frontal Lobe Neural Synchrony During Cognitive Control by Alcohol Intoxication
Published on: February 6, 2019
Neurocognitive and mood effects of alcohol in a naturalistic setting
A B Scholey1, S Benson, C Neale
1Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. andrew@scholeylab.com
Objective:
The current pilot study aimed to assess the effects of drinking alcohol in a naturalistic setting on aspects of performance.
Methods:
Thirty individuals were approached and tested individually in a university campus bar. They provided details regarding alcoholic drinks consumption. Each was breathalysed before and after completion of a computerised test battery administered on a handheld device. The battery consisted of visual analogue mood scales, a series of alcohol-sensitive psychomotor and cognitive tests.
Results:
There were highly significant correlations between measured blood alcohol concentrations, estimated units of alcohol consumed and scores on a 'sober-drunk' VAS (p < 0.001 in all cases). For performance, there was a characteristic alcohol-associated shift in the speed/accuracy trade-off (SATO), which was reflected as significantly more errors with less effect on speed across several measures (including maze performance and Serial Sevens). Individuals who were more intoxicated were also significantly less alert.
Conclusions:
The data suggest that controlled laboratory tests into the effects of alcohol intoxication may have ecological validity, with SATO shifts amongst the characteristic impairments seen in both controlled and naturalistic settings.
Related Concept Videos
CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Depressants
Alcohol is a common depressant that can induce a sense of relaxation and reduced inhibition at low doses. Contrary to its occasional...
Causes of Social Behavior II: Cognitive Processes
The Influence of Affect on Cognition
Causes of Social Behavior III: Biological and Environmental Influences

