forlini-impactofcontextual-2013.pdf (585.33 kB)
Impact of contextual factors and substance characteristics on perspectives toward cognitive enhancement
journal contribution
posted on 2013-08-05, 00:00 authored by S Sattler, Cynthia ForliniCynthia Forlini, E Racine, C SauerEnhancing cognitive performance with substances-especially prescription drugs-is a fiercely debated topic among scholars and in the media. The empirical basis for these discussions is limited, given that the actual nature of factors that influence the acceptability of and willingness to use cognitive enhancement substances remains unclear. In an online factorial survey, contextual and substance-specific characteristics of substances that improve academic performance were varied experimentally and presented to respondents. Students in four German universities rated their willingness to use and moral acceptance of different substances for cognitive enhancement. We found that the overall willingness to use performance enhancing substances is low. Most respondents considered the use of these substances as morally unacceptable. Situational influences such as peer pressure, policies concerning substance use, relative performance level of peers, but also characteristics of the substance, such as perceptions of substance safety, shape the willingness and acceptability of using a substance to enhance academic performance. Among the findings is evidence of a contagion effect meaning that the willingness was higher when the respondents have more CE drug users in their social network. We also found deterrence effects from strong side effects of using the substance, as well as from policy regulations and sanctions. Regulations might activate social norms against usage and sanctions can be seen as costly to users. Moreover, enhancement substances seem to be most tempting to low performers to catch up with others compared to high performers. By identifying contextual factors and substance characteristics influencing the willingness and acceptability of cognitive enhancers, policy approaches could consider these insights to better manage the use of such substances.
History
Journal
PLoS oneVolume
8Issue
8Article number
e71452Pagination
1 - 12Publisher
Public Library of ScienceLocation
San Francisco, Calif.Publisher DOI
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eISSN
1932-6203Language
engPublication classification
C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2013, Sattler et alUsage metrics
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Adverse reactionsAcademic skillsDrug usersDrug policySurveysCaffeineHuman learningMedical ethicsScience & TechnologyMultidisciplinary SciencesScience & Technology - Other TopicsNONMEDICAL USECOLLEGE-STUDENTSPRESCRIPTION STIMULANTSHEALTHY-INDIVIDUALSVIGNETTE WORLDDRUGSMETHYLPHENIDATENEUROENHANCEMENTETHICSRISK
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