Effects of alcohol on human performance: An integration of research findings based on an abilities classification

Abstract

The tasks used in 41 studies of the effects of alcohol on human performance were classified in terms of the abilities required for task performance. For each category of task, median performance computed across all studies within the category was plotted as a function of both dosage and the time between alcohol administration and task performance. It was found that the curves relating performance to dosage differed as a function of the ability requirements of the task. The effects on performance of time from the start of drinking to the initiation of task performance also depended upon the particular abilities required by the task. Despite many differences among the specific tasks involved, their categorization according to ability requirements enabled an integration of results and the establishment of tentative functional relationships between performance, dosage, and time from ingestion. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)