Effects of acute alcohol intoxication on visual perception and attention

Pavuna, Andro. (2010). Effects of acute alcohol intoxication on visual perception and attention. Diploma Thesis. Filozofski fakultet u Zagrebu, Department of Psychology. [mentor Ivanec, Dragutin].

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Abstract

Acute consumption of ethyl alcohol is harmful for variety of visual functions. In this study, we focused on specific processes of visual perception and attention and the influence of a relatively low level of alcohol on them. The study included 47 students from different faculties of the University of Zagreb. Participants in the experimental group (N = 22) consumed an alcoholic cocktail made with 100% orange juice and vodka to achieve a targeted BAC level of 0.8 g/kg, while the participants in the control group (N = 25) consumed placebo - just orange juice with strong aroma of ethyl alcohol. After consuming their drink, participants took the task of visual perception and attention, which consisted of a short video clip that shows a directed real traffic situation in which one vehicle follows another with the central task of counting the number of ignitions of stopping lights on the vehicle in front. Along with the central task the participants were instructed to pay attention to the surroundings which contained important objects and details such as a stroller, a child who crosses the road, traffic signs, etc. Results showed that participants under the influence of alcohol achieved significantly poorer results in the task of visual perception than participants who were not under the influence of alcohol. A significant moderate effect was found in the cumulative task of visual perception and attention, aswell as insignificant but a clear trend of harmful effects of alcohol on the individual tasks of visual perception and attention.

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