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Environment, alcohol intoxication and overconfidence: Evidence from a lab‐in‐the‐field experiment

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  • Iain W. Long
  • Kent Matthews
  • Vaseekaran Sivarajasingam

Abstract

Alcohol has long been known as the demon drink; an epithet owed to the numerous social ills it is associated with. Our lab‐in‐the‐field experiment assesses the extent to which changes in intoxication and an individual's environment lead to changes in overconfidence or cognitive ability that are, in turn, often linked to problematic behaviours. Results indicate that it is the joint effect of being intoxicated in a bar, rather than simply being intoxicated, that matters. Subjects systematically underestimated the magnitude of their behavioural changes, suggesting that they cannot be held fully accountable for their actions.

Suggested Citation

  • Iain W. Long & Kent Matthews & Vaseekaran Sivarajasingam, 2023. "Environment, alcohol intoxication and overconfidence: Evidence from a lab‐in‐the‐field experiment," Manchester School, University of Manchester, vol. 91(5), pages 389-413, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:manchs:v:91:y:2023:i:5:p:389-413
    DOI: 10.1111/manc.12439
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    References listed on IDEAS

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