The Effects of Acute Alcohol Intoxication on Metamemory Processes and Accuracy When Recalling a Rape Scenario

Abstract

This study examines how acute alcohol intoxication during the encoding of a rape scenario affects metamemory processes and recall accuracy during police interviews. Metamemory is the ability to monitor and control memory reporting. We conducted a secondary data analysis of interview transcripts, applying a novel analytical approach to capture metamemory processes. Twenty-two women aged 18–25 (M = 20.00, SD = 1.63) were randomly assigned to be either intoxicated or sober during scenario encoding but sober during recall when they underwent a cognitive interview 1 week later. Accuracy was significantly lower in the question compared to free recall phase, particularly in the alcohol condition. Inaccurate recall was preceded by a higher incidence of metamemory indicators of increased retrieval effort (pauses, hedges, fillers), particularly in the question phase for intoxicated participants. These findings elucidate the effects of alcohol on metamemory and memory reporting during police interviews and highlight the need for research about techniques the police can use to maintain recall accuracy over the entire interview process.