Perceptual Judgements in Adults as a Function of Alcohol Consumption and Music Distraction

Abstract

The present study investigated the effects of alcohol consumption and music distraction on analytic vs. holistic processing using classification, concept learning, and embedded figures tests. Participants were male social drinkers, 19 to 27 years of age. In the classification task, music increased analytic responding in the placebo group but decreased analytic responding in the alcohol group. Alcohol increased the time necessary for individuals to complete the classification task. Alcohol caused a slower rate of learning in the concept learning task but, as in the classification task, did not decrease analytic responding. Music also facilitated a slower rate of learning and led to more integral processing in the concept learning task. Finally, alcohol decreased analytic performance on the embedded figures test.