Effect of attention regulation failure on an alcohol evaluative conditioning procedure

Abstract

Background : We aim to develop an evaluative conditioning procedure which bolster associative learning since implicit attitude are highly predictive of alcohol consumption. According to dual process theories of attitude learning, non-consciousness is one of the main component of implicit learning. To date, the most promising mechanism to explain associative learning is affect misattribution. Several research has shown that affect misattribution highly depends on allocation of attentional resources. Methods : We used a 2 (attentional ego-depletion : depletion vs control) x2 (valence of the US : negative vs neutral) x2 (contingency awareness : inclusion vs exclusion) to assess the effect of depletion of attentional resources on evaluative conditioning and contingency awareness. Implicit, explicit attitudes toward alcohol and attentional performance were assessed. Expected results : We predict more negative implicit attitudes as well as a stronger attitude parameter when participants have been depleted. Current stage of Work : 110 participants have already been recruited. A full sample is expected at mid-February 2015. Discussion : Implication for the relevance of associative learning as a cognitive bias modification procedure will be discussed.