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The Influence Of Alcohol Consumption On Human Behavior:

Running Head: ALCOHOL VERSUS CRITICAL THINKING

The Influence of Alcohol Consumption on Human Behavior:
How Alcohol Affect Critical Thinking

The Influence of Alcohol Consumption on Critical Thinking:
How Alcohol Affect Human's Perception
Introduction
Critical thinking is our ability to apply the law of logic on our everyday decision making processes based on the information and evidences that we have (Furedy & Furedy, 1985). Previous studies showed the strong relationship between alcohol and negative behaviors such as violent (Ensor and godfrey 1993), reduced self- control (Abrams and Wilson 1983), sexual aggression (Seto and Barbaee 1995), risky sexual behavior (Testa and Collins 1997) and dangerous driving patterns (Donovan and Marlatt 1982). Notice that all of these behaviors are the results from the lack or even absence of human critical thinking. The relationship between alcohol consumption and its effect on critical thinking is varies for each individual. In their research on the cognitive effects of alcohol abuse, Christine M. Williams and Adrian E. G. Skinner (1990) found that alcohol has greater effect for the individuals that have a lower verbal intelligence. Many experiments and researches were designed to test the hypothesis for the effect of alcohol on cognitive abilities by recording and imaging the activities of the brain. Alcohol impairs many processes mediated by the prefrontal cortex of the brain (Lyvers, 2000). Once alcohol is consumed, our perception is likely to receive more negative than positive information about others (Peters & Czapinski, 1990; Ybarra 2002); ruminations and worries increase (Lisman, Kean and Noel 1983); and the time required to process behavioral information also increases (Rugg & Coles, 1995). Using two studies, one correlational design and one experimental design, my hypothesis being tested here is that alcohol consumption would decrease human ability to think critically.
Non- Experimental/ Correlational Design...