The effect of benzedrine sulfate on syllogistic reasoning.

Abstract

20 persons were given a syllogistic reasoning test at 4 exptl. sittings, 2 sittings after having taken 10 mg. of benzedrine, 2 sittings after a lactose placebo. Order was counterbalanced. Accuracy, time, and efficiency scores were taken. Also were taken mood ratings, fatigue ratings, blood pressure, and heart rate. No significant changes in reasoning were found, although the drug seemed to aid this ability. There was slightly greater effect on [female][female] than on [male][male] Subjects lighter in wt. were more affected. No reliable effect on mood or fatigue or heart rate was found. There was a significant rise in systolic blood pressure due to the drug. Those who exhibited a blood pressure rise were the ones whose scores on the reasoning test were more appreciably improved by the drug. Dosage (10 mg.) was too low, and the group too homogenous in intelligence for a good survey.