VALIDATION OF A MEASURE OF EXCESSIVE DRINKING - FREQUENCY PER YEAR THAT BAL EXCEEDS 0.08-PERCENT

Although self-report data are generally evaluated as reliable, validit y estimates for self-reported drinking behavior are not as favorable. A new method of measurement addressing problems currently associated w ith the questionable validity of self-report drinking information is i ntroduced. Study 1 tests the correspondance between the new measure (o ccasions per year blood alcohol level exceeded 0.08%), traditional sel f-report measures, and laboratory alcohol consumption. The novel measu re correlated most strongly with volume of alcohol consumed in the lab oratory compared to the traditional measures. In Study 2 the novel mea sure was favored over a traditional measure when discriminating betwee n the presence and absence of problem-drinking symptoms.