Citation

Silvestri MM, Lewis JM, Borsari B, Correia CJ. Am. J. Drug Alcohol Abuse 2014; 40(5): 403-410.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, Auburn University , Alabama .

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.3109/00952990.2014.931408

PMID

25192209

Abstract

Background: Drinking games are prevalent among college students and are associated with increased alcohol use and negative alcohol-related consequences. There has been substantial growth in research on drinking games. However, the majority of published studies rely on retrospective self-reports of behavior and very few studies have made use of laboratory procedures to systematically observe drinking game behavior.

OBJECTIVES: The current paper draws on the authors' experiences designing and implementing methods for the study of drinking games in the laboratory.

RESULTS: The paper addressed the following key design features: (a) drinking game selection; (b) beverage selection; (c) standardizing game play; (d) selection of dependent and independent variables; and (e) creating a realistic drinking game environment.

CONCLUSIONS: The goal of this methodological review paper is to encourage other researchers to pursue laboratory research on drinking game behavior. Use of laboratory-based methodologies will facilitate a better understanding of the dynamics of risky drinking and inform prevention and intervention efforts.

Language: en