Alcohol influence on hemisphere differences and signal detection thresholds

Six right- and six left-handed subjects were run in a repeated measures design to determine the influences of alcohol on hemiretina detection thresholds. Stimuli were presented tachistoscopically to the hemiretinae at blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of 0, 50, and 100 mg%. The nasal hemiretinae had higher thresholds than the temporal hemiretinae and this difference was independent of alcohol. Alcohol interacted with visual field and handedness. The results showed that the highest alcohol dose (100 mg%) raised detection thresholds more for the hemifield contralateral to the subject's preferred hand than the ipsilateral hemified. Results are discussed in terms of lateral dominance and attention.