Over the limit: Highly intoxicated witnesses’ ability to recall an event

• Although intoxicated witnesses often exceed the legal BAC limit, few studies have examined how elevated BAC levels (>.08) affect eyewitness memory. This study tested witnesses’ memory across a broader BAC spectrum. Bar patrons were recruited (N =138) to watch a mock crime video. Immediately after, participants were interviewed using open-ended and cued questions. Alcohol diminished participants’ recall quantity and quality, but only those who were highly intoxicated (BAC >.13). Findings suggest the BAC levels frequently tested do not fully unveil the impairments highly intoxicated witnesses experience. Implications for collecting evidence from intoxicated witnesses are discussed.

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Psykologi -- Tillämpad psykologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Psychology -- Applied Psychology (hsv//eng)

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Psykologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Psychology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

alcohol

witnesses

field study

high breath alcohol concentrations

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

kon (ämneskategori)