Empirical modeling of an alcohol expectancy memory network using multidimensional scaling.

Abstract

Risk-related antecedent variables can be linked to later alcohol consumption by memory processes, and alcohol expectancies may be one relevant memory content. To advance research in this area, it would be useful to apply current memory models such as semantic network theory to explain drinking decision processes. We used multidimensional scaling (MDS) to empirically model a preliminary alcohol expectancy semantic network, from which a theoretical account of drinking decision making was generated. Subanalyses (PREFMAP) showed how individuals with differing alcohol consumption histories may have had different association pathways within the expectancy network. These pathways may have, in turn influenced future drinking levels and behaviors while the person was under the influence of alcohol. All individuals associated positive/prosocial effects with drinking, but heavier drinkers indicated arousing effects as their highest probability associates, whereas light drinkers expected sedation. An important early step in this MDS modeling process is the determination of iso-meaning expectancy adjective groups, which correspond to theoretical network nodes.

Inducing a Stroop Effect

“…Collins & Loftus, 1975). Consistent with this view, Rather et al (1992) reported that in a 'map' of the relations between alcohol-related concepts and other information for heavy and light drinkers, conceptual organization was more centered around the alcohol concepts for heavy drinkers compared to light drinkers (cf. Stacy, 1997).…”

Location and longing: The nicotine craving experience in virtual reality

“…MDS as a research tool for understanding complex psychological phenomena has demonstrated considerable versatility. It has been used to understand how people conceive of loneliness (Lunt, 1991), crowding (Sadalla et al, 1978), rape (Sugarman, 1994), virtue (Haslam et al, 2004), drinking (Rather et al, 1992), smoking marijuana (Linkovich-Kyle and Dunn, 2001), and job involvement (Ellroy et al, 1995), just to name a few.…”

Construcción y valoración de las propiedades psicométricas del Cuestionario de Expectativas hacia el Alcohol para Niños de Argentina (CEA-N)

“…En base a esto, se calculó el porcentaje de acuerdo entre los jueces al clasificar cada uno de los 75 registros según este modelo. Se retuvieron los ítems con un 66% o más de acuerdo entre los jueces, esto es, donde al menos dos jueces coincidieran en la categorización (Rather, Goldman, Roehrich y Brannick, 1992). Siguiendo este criterio se encontró un ítem en donde no hubo acuerdo (el alcohol hace que las personas se pongan nerviosas), tras cuya eliminación se obtuvo un grupo de 74 ítems.…”