Abstract
The present paper presents a comprehensive review of studies concerned with the effects of alcohol on human performance. It attempts to review the studies within the framework of the information processing model. The effects of alcohol on information processing and transmission rates, sensory and perceptual processes, motorcontrol processes, attentional processes, and cognitive processes are described and discussed. It is proposed that such a processes analysis of human performance is a useful vehicle to describe the specific effects of alcohol. From the review it is concluded that much of the evidence from simple task description is equivocal. However, when information load is increased, when the stimulus-response incompatibility increases, and when the number of competing information processes occur in ‘parallel’, then a strong, consistent and coherent pattern of performance deterioration is associated with alcohol consumption.
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Notes on contributors
Denis J. Glencross
Both authors formerly Public Health Officers, Eastern Sydney Area Public Health Unit
Previously general practitioner, Orange NSW, Australia.