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

Abstract

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