| Abstract: | Much has been learned about the behavioral and physiological effects of various chemicals and drugs on human performance. The present study concerns the attributional consequences of such exposure. Pairs of subjects inhaled measured quantities of methyl chloride, an industrial solvent, and ingested caffeine. Each performed a variety of tasks involving eye-hand coordination and mental alertness. Participants generally tended to underestimate their actual performance on the tasks. Later, false feedback was given to each subject indicating either a superior or inferior performance on some of the tasks. Attributions of participants to ability, effort, and the effects of the agents were influenced both by type of exposure and type of feedback provided. Subjects considered both their own performance and data about the performance of previous participants when estimating their partner's performance. The implications of such findings for industrial relations are discussed. |
