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The Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) and measures of cognitive functioning
Luke A Downey1, Amie C Hayley2, Amy J Porath-Waller3
1Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia; Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, MA, United States.
Accident; Analysis and Prevention
|November 4, 2015
Summary
Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) show moderate correlations with cognitive performance, particularly reaction time tasks. These findings support the SFST
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Forensic Science
Background:
- Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) are widely used by law enforcement to assess driver impairment.
- The SFST aim to evaluate cognitive and psychomotor functions, but the link between cognitive ability and SFST performance is not well-established.
- This study investigates the relationship between SFST components and cognitive performance using a validated computerised cognitive battery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the correlation between individual SFST subtests (Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, One Leg Stand, Walk and Turn) and specific cognitive functions.
- To determine the relationship between cognitive abilities (working memory, attention) and performance on SFST tasks.
- To assess the validity of SFST in detecting cognitive impairments related to driving under the influence.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 61 participants (33 female, 28 male, mean age 25.45) in a placebo condition was analyzed.
- Point-biserial correlation was used to analyze relationships between SFST subscales (HGN, OLS, WAT) and Cognitive Drug Research (CDR) cognitive subscales (Quality of Working Memory, Power of Attention, Continuity of Attention).
Main Results:
- Seven of nine CDR subscales showed weak-to-moderate positive or moderate-to-strong negative associations with the SFST Walk and Turn (WAT) test (p<0.05).
- Specific cognitive variables, particularly reaction time measures, demonstrated moderate positive associations with certain SFST nystagmus sub-components (p<0.05).
- No significant associations were found between cognitive variables and the SFST One Leg Stand (OLS) test, or between composite cognitive scores and total SFST scores.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive performance variations correlate moderately with specific SFST aspects, especially reaction time tasks.
- Impairment in cognitive processes like reaction time can affect performance on complex tasks, including driving and SFST.
- Despite correlations, SFST remain a practical screening tool for identifying alcohol or drug-impaired drivers.
