Experimental research has firmly established the role of expectancies in determining the behavioral consequences of alcohol consumption. To ascertain whether these alcohol expectancies derive from direct pharmacological experience with alcohol or from nonpharmacological, social-learning factors, an adolescent expectancy questionnaire was constructed for use with adolescents aged 12-19. Adolescents (N=1,580), making the transition from nondrinking to regular alcohol consumption, completed the 139 item true-false questionnaire and survey of the parameters of their drinking behavior. Age-stratified factor analyses showed seven cognitive alcohol expectancies which existed prior to substantial drinking experience but which changed with increases in age and drinking experience. The findings suggest that the causal relationships between cognitive expectations and drinking behavior are not as simple as cause and effect. Expectancy scales may prove to be a useful assessment technique and aid in the development of early prevention/intervention strategies. (PAS)