According to psychological research on the effects of alcohol, which ability is typically the first to be impaired by alcohol consumption?

• A. Long-term memory
• B. Sensory perception
• C. Judgment and impulse control
• D. Motor coordination

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that alcohol affects various cognitive and motor functions in a progressive manner as blood alcohol concentration increases.
2. Identify the key abilities listed: long-term memory, sensory perception, judgment and impulse control, and motor coordination.
3. Recall from psychological research that the first abilities to show impairment are those related to higher-order cognitive functions, particularly judgment and impulse control.
4. Recognize that judgment and impulse control involve the prefrontal cortex, which is highly sensitive to alcohol's effects early on.
5. Conclude that among the options, judgment and impulse control are typically the first abilities impaired by alcohol consumption, before motor coordination or memory functions.