Running Head: MYTH-BUSTERS AND NULL HYPOTHESES
Myth-Busters and Null Hypotheses
Introduction
The art of alcohol consumption has been embraced over the years, with beer and whiskey taking over the lives of many, mostly for leisure and pass-time. However, the greatest challenge comes when one consumes too much alcohol and has to get up early the next day, but when they do so, they feel sick either because they have not had enough time to get proper sleep or because they are negatively reacting to the party pleasures of the night. For Adam and Jamie, alcohol consumption is a scientific intrigue, especially because of the numerous myths that surround excessive drinking like drinking back coffee, exercising, face dunks in buckets of ice water, and getting smacked on the face (Trustme77, 2009). This paper sets explaining the techniques discovered by researchers on how to cure hangovers and critique these methods, by giving opinions that may dispute or support their effectiveness.
Sobering Up Techniques
First, the two would undergo a test, similar to those astronauts take part in. The test involves staying at arm’s length form a screen with weights on one’s arm and tracing on a grey line on the screen. The results are based on the accuracy, speed, and consistency. Both researchers would take the test before the sobering u technique and after the technique, with one as a control to the other, swapping out between techniques (Trustme77, 2009). They both needed to stay consistently drunk to validate the cures. The sobering up technique involved drinking a cup or two of black coffee, to see whether it would help in sobering up. Both Jamie and Adam were drunk on the same level, and Jamie tried out the technique to see whether it would help him sober up. He immediately took the control test and manages to accurately and consistently trace the grey line at an averagely good speed. Being the control of the test, Adam took the test as well. He also managed to trace the line at a similar level as Jamie (Trustme77, 2009). They both agreed the technique was busted, meaning it was ineffective.
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The second test included physical exercise, which Adam was to take part in. In involved jogging consistently on a treadmill for five minutes, then taking the control test after. He showed improvement during the control test in terms of consistency and accuracy while tracing the grey line. Similarly, Jamie stayed on the same rate as Adam and they both agreed the test could be plausible, meaning it could be adopted as an effective technique (Trustme77, 2009). Jamie took on the third technique, which was dunking his head in the ice-cold water. After, he took a control test that revealed stagnation, same with Adam. This test was ruled out, due to its ineffective results. In the final technique, which was being slapped, Jamie slapped Adam to see what effect it would have on his sobriety. After which, he took the control test and realized some improvement in the determinants (Trustme77, 2009). The verdict was that it was plausible and can be adopted as a technique.
Critique
Basing on the tests that were carried out to determine whether the stated mythical techniques were adaptable, the verdict made on all four techniques were validated and accurate. However, it would be wise to adopt only one technique out of the four given, despite the risks it also presents. The first technique involves drinking coffee. Coffee contains caffeine which is a stimulant and, scientifically, consumption of alcohol and caffeine may compromise brain activity and increase the risk of heart failure (Benson, et al., 2014). Similarly, coffee may not be the best preference for some people, making it a biased option. The second technique, exercising, could be adopted, though it poses some physical health risk, especially since alcohol consumption compromises coordination and cognition. It may apply to people who may reason properly even when drunk and understand the risks they would be taking. The third technique may be dangerous to health, exposing one to risks of diseases like Pneumonia, Influenza, or Tuberculosis, among many other respiratory tract infections. The final technique is workable but may evoke instances of rage that may be dangerous to the person who slapped the drunk friend. It may also not be as effective especially if one is drunk beyond their control.
Conclusion
Drinking is an activity that is fun, filled with adventurous moments that many people wish to indulge in. However, it may also be a risk especially if consumed in large amounts. Many health agencies and organizations encourage responsible drinking to avoid the risks associated with drunkenness, as it may affect job efficiency, mental health, and even social relations (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018). Hangovers are an aftermath of excessive drinking which required adequate sleep and a lot of fluid consumption, especially water and fresh fruit juice. These are healthy options that give better relief as compared to the options explored by researchers Adam and Jamie. Also, it is important to note that not all techniques are bad, for example exercising as it needs concentration for coordination, meaning that it is actively involving the brain and muscles around the body (David, 2018). Nonetheless, it is crucial to note that excessive drinking is dangerous and that these techniques may not yield the same results in people as bodily functions differ. The fun fact is that despite this, there will be many other techniques discovered as exploration in alcohol consumption grows as the demand grows. This in mind, safer techniques are bound to be plausible and effective, without negatively compromising the involved party’s health or physique.
References
Benson, S., Verster, J. C., Alford, C., & Scholey, A. (2014). Effects of mixing alcohol with caffeinated beverages on subjective intoxication: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). CDC - Fact Sheets-Alcohol Use and Health - Alcohol. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm
David J. H. (2018). How Can I Sober Up Fast? What Works, What Doesn't and What's Dangerous. Retrieved from https://www.alcoholproblemsandsolutions.org/how-can-i-sober-up-fast/
Trustme77. (2009). Mythbusters: Sobering up techniques, part 1. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6-qEaJssdM&feature=youtu.be
Trustme77. (2009). Mythbusters: Sobering up techniques, part 2. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mmJMIwsaDQ&feature=youtu.be
