A-123 Problem Solving and Mental Workload in Binge and Non-Binge Drinking College Students

Abstract Objective: Chronic sustained alcohol abuse is known to impact cognitive functioning. We examined potential differences in problem solving ability and mental workload a more short-term population, binge-drinking college students. Method: Binge-drinking (BD) (n = 129) non-binge-drinking (NBD) 163) students completed computerized test of solving, 3-disk 4-disk version the Tower Hanoi (TOH). After each TOH session, they also an assessment via NASA-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). Mental was defined as Demand subscale NASA-TLX. Results: No significant group difference found mean number moves complete either or version. For workload, no evident for (BD M 28.81, SD 21.05 vs NBD 27.09, 21.59, p 0.497), but there condition 47.22, 21.86 41.84, 22.94, 0.044). Conclusion(s): While performance were evident, on difficult condition. propose that which not normally considered neuropsychology, might be valuable tool status, especially when are subtle differences. In this case, even with similar performance, status necessarily same between two groups, BD showing greater workload.