RISK BENEFIT CALCULATIONS, MORAL EVALUATIONS, AND ALCOHOL-USE - EXPLORING THE ALCOHOL-CRIME CONNECTION/

This research explored whether alcohol consumption is related to socia l-psychological processes that occupy a central place in criminologica l theories. A quasi-experiment was conducted at college parties to exa mine the connections between alcohol consumption and moral definitions , risk calculations, and the perceived desirability of crime. Those wh o did not drink at the parties arrived with the highest perceptions of sanction risk Preparty levels of moral definitions or perceived desir ability of crime did not predict the amount of alcohol consumed. Howev er; heavier drinking during the parties tempered moral condemnation of criminal acts, enhanced the desirability of criminal behavior and rel axed perceptions of risk regarding crime.