Effects of Alcohol on Picture Drawing During the Verification Phase of the Creative Process

This study tested effects of acute alcohol intoxication on elaboration and revision in the verification phase of Wallas' (1926/1970) four stage model of creativity. Forty-two male and female participants were randomly assigned to three groups of equal size--a control group, a placebo group, and an alcohol group. The alcohol dose was I ml 100% alcohol/kg body weight. Participants were instructed to read a poem and to draw a picture using the poem. These pictures were judged by 2 separate panels of judges. Panel A was comprised of 3 professional artists. Panel B was comprised of 3 college art instructors. No group differences were apparent in ratings given by Panel A, but Panel B gave the work of the alcohol group low handicraft ratings. Results were interpreted as an indication that a moderate dose of alcohol inhibits certain relevant abilities during the verification phase of the creative process.