The lack of robust evidence for the effects of alcohol on false memory

Heather D Flowe; Nadja Schreiber Compo

doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.04.029

The lack of robust evidence for the effects of alcohol on false memory

Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2021 Aug:127:332-333. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.04.029. Epub 2021 May 4.

Authors

Heather D Flowe¹, Nadja Schreiber Compo²

Affiliations

¹ University of Birmingham, School of Psychology, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK. Electronic address: h.hflowe@bham.ac.uk.
² Florida International University, Department of Psychology, United States.

PMID: 33961926
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.04.029

Abstract

We comment on Kloft et al.'s (2021) review of the effects of alcohol and other drugs on false memory reporting. Across studies, problems of internal and external validity and methodological consistency preclude any blanket conclusions and recommendations regarding alcohol's effects on false memory reporting and suggestibility in witnesses. We argue that any policy and practice conclusions drawn from this limited literature are premature and would be unfairly prejudicial to witnesses and confusing to triers of fact at this time.

Keywords: Alcohol; Drugs; False memory; Intoxication; Suggestibility; Suspect; Victim; Witness.

Publication types

Comment

MeSH terms

Ethanol*
Humans
Memory*
Prejudice

Substances

Ethanol