The Effects of Alcohol on Working Memory
Presenter Hometown
Richmond
Major
Psychology
Department
Psychology
Degree
Undergraduate
Mentor
Richard Osbaldiston
Mentor Department
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Salisbury, Margaret; Dodge, Jamie; Buntin, Dezjana; Bennett, Barbara; and Taylor, Shelby, "The Effects of Alcohol on Working Memory" (2019). University Presentation Showcase Event. 4.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2019/undergraduate/4
Abstract
How good is your memory after 3 or 4 beers? This research examines the effects of alcohol on working memory. After conducting a search on PsychINFO, we located 20 studies that reported data on the relationship between alcohol and working memory. Based on the data reported, we computed the effect size for the relationship. The overall weighted average effect size was d = 0.39, but this effect was moderated for age. Alcohol had a stronger effect on younger participants (d = 0.40) than on older participants (d = 0.31). Knowing there are cultural differences in alcohol consumption, we compared studies done in the U.S. (d = 0.43) and studies done outside of the U.S. (d = 0.39). Our findings from the studies show there is a weak to moderate influence of alcohol on working memory. This study provides an understanding of what effects alcohol has on your working memory.
Presentation format
Poster
The Effects of Alcohol on Working Memory
How good is your memory after 3 or 4 beers? This research examines the effects of alcohol on working memory. After conducting a search on PsychINFO, we located 20 studies that reported data on the relationship between alcohol and working memory. Based on the data reported, we computed the effect size for the relationship. The overall weighted average effect size was d = 0.39, but this effect was moderated for age. Alcohol had a stronger effect on younger participants (d = 0.40) than on older participants (d = 0.31). Knowing there are cultural differences in alcohol consumption, we compared studies done in the U.S. (d = 0.43) and studies done outside of the U.S. (d = 0.39). Our findings from the studies show there is a weak to moderate influence of alcohol on working memory. This study provides an understanding of what effects alcohol has on your working memory.
