Which component of executive function is primarily involved in stopping impulsive actions?

• A. Inhibitory control
• B. Cognitive flexibility
• C. Working memory
• D. Verbal reasoning

Answer: (A)

Inhibitory control is the component that lets you pause before acting and resist impulses. It governs the ability to stop a first impulse and choose a more deliberate response, which is exactly what stopping impulsive actions requires. Cognitive flexibility helps you switch tasks or perspectives, working memory is about holding information in mind, and verbal reasoning involves language-based problem solving. So, the primary skill for suppressing impulsive actions is inhibitory control.