Evidence of alcohol induced <i>weapon focus</i> in eyewitness memory

We examined the effects of acute alcohol on eyewitness memory for a simulated armed robbery under laboratory conditions. Alcohol and placebo participants viewed slide series showing target male taking laptop from helpdesk assistant, either loan or at gunpoint. Following brief retention period, responded to “central” multiple-choice questions, about target's actions face clothing, “peripheral” questions other scene features. shown no-weapon displayed poorer peripheral than controls, though did not impair among weapon viewers. also showed focus effect, providing less accurate responses central related details controls. These findings are consistent with myopia theory suggest intoxicated eyewitnesses may be more susceptible sober counterparts.