Contextual cues prompt greater improvements in alcohol consumption recall for people with higher working memory capacities

ABSTRACT Objective Alcohol research often relies on surveys to assess how much alcohol participants consume. Therefore, improving accuracy in surveys is a priority for researchers. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between working memory and self-reported alcohol consumption. Method Two hundred and eighty-five respondents (203 female, mean age = 55.60, SD = 7.35) were recruited online to complete three working memory tests and two alcohol consumption measures: one included contextual cues (Within-Location Beverage Specific; WLBS) and the other did not (Graduated Frequency; GF). Results Contrary to expectations, while all respondents reported higher alcohol consumption in response to the WLBS than the GF, those who scored high on working memory measures gained greater benefits from the inclusion of contextual cues than those who scored low. Conclusions Thus, while contextual cues in alcohol consumption surveys elicit higher levels of reported consumption, they may still lead to under-reporting by those with poorer working memories. KEY POINTS What is already known about this topic: People under-report their alcohol consumption Providing contextual cues in surveys can help Working memory influences ability to recallbehaviours like alcohol consumption What this topic adds: Increased contextual cues help those with better working memory While increasing contextual cues increase reported consumption, it does so disproportionately for those with good working memory While increased contextual cues lead to higher reported consumption they may also lead to increased under-reporting of a range of behaviours in those with poor working memory, relative to those who do not have poor working memory.