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  • Title: The simulated drinking gang: an experimental model for the study of a systems approach to alcoholism. I. Description of the model.
    Author: Steinglass P.
    Journal: J Nerv Ment Dis; 1975 Aug; 161(2):100-9. PubMed ID: 1151362.
    Abstract:
    This two-part paper deals with an experimental model for studying interactional behavior from a systems point of view. The experimental model incorporates a research strategy utilizing both a token economy and the simulation of a naturally occurring clinical phenomenon, the alcoholic drinking gang. The model is primarily geared to do two things: a) study the changes in clinical behavior that occur when experimental conditions are manipulated to facilitate the formation of the behavioral "system" as opposed to experimental conditions which interfere with system formation; and b) build into the model tasks which produce measurable performance data as a method of monitoring behavior deemed essential for the successful development of an operational system. The experimental model involved admitting up to six alcoholic individuals to a research ward specifically designed for studies utilizing experimentally induced intoxication. Each study was divided into a 7-day predrinking period, a 10- to 14-day drinking period, during which time alcohol was available to research subjects, and a 5- to 7-day withdrawal period. A token economy was established which allowed for the following essential features to be present: a) a group of chronic alcoholic individuals who desire to go through a drinking experience together; b) the pooling of resources in order to purchase alcohol; c) rules established by the group for the sharing of whatever alcohol becomes available to the group; and d) the opportunity to earn money for the purchase of additional alcohol after the initial supply runs out, in order to keep the group drinking experience going. All "money", or tokens, could be earned only via successful performance at the Cooperative Task Device (CTD), a cooperative, two-person game, and tokens could be utilized to purchase three types of commodities from an automated dispensing machine, alcohol, cigarettes, and television time. Automated data recording provided detailed data about CTD performance and commodity-purchasing records. The discussion centers around difficulties inherent in a simulated model of natural behavior. It is pointed out that laboratory simulation vs. natural setting, as the preferred site for carrying on behavioral research, remains an active controversy, and the arguments on both sides are presented. Difficulties inherent in doing "systems" research are also discussed. A series of alternative hypotheses to explain behavior within the simulated drinking gang are listed, and the data that would be necessary in order to substantiate these alternative hypotheses are also listed. It is maintained that the simulated drinking gang is an advantageous experimental model in that it closely approximates the basic criteria of the naturally occurring phenomenon, while at the same time allowing subjects a range of behaviors, each of which substantiates a different hypothesis about the central organizing feature in alcoholic groups.
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