Executive function
• Part of the neural systems approach to the study
of self-regulation
– Focuses on cognitive processes collectively referred
to as EF
– cognitive processes that are utilized in planning,
problem solving, and goal-directed activity (Miyake et
al., 2000)
• EF refers to
– Shifting (mental set shifting; attention and/or response
shifting)
– Working memory (information updating and
monitoring)
– Inhibitory control (of prepotent responses)
Integrative framework (vs. unitary)
• EF is a unitary construct with partially dissociable
components
– Miyake proposes the above 3 components
• Unitary construct
– A central attentional system regulating various subprocesses
– E.g., Baddeley’s working memory model
• Dissociable EF processes with different developmental
trajectories
– Working memory
– Inhibition
– Set shifting
• Integrative framework: combines both
Miyake: Hierarchical model
• Common core: attention/activation (also
Baddeley)
– Forms a foundation for the dev of EF components
• Orienting attention is in place from the beginning
• Selective attention develops
– Increased development and control of the anterior
attention system over the orienting system
– Anterior attention system uses internal
representations in part by facilitating or inhibiting the
orienting subsystem
• Endogenous attention begins to exert control after 9 months
of age
Working Memory
(Baddeley)
Components of Working
Memory
• Central Executive:
In charge of planning future actions,
initiating retrieval and decision processes
as necessary, and integrating information
coming into the system.
Components of Working
Memory
• Visuo-Spatial Sketch Pad
One of Two Slave Systems.
A system specialized for visual and spatial
information. Example: Is the doorknob for
your bedroom door on the left or right
side?
Components of Working
Memory
• Articulatory Loop
The Second Slave System.
• The speech and sound related component
responsible for rehearsal of verbal
information and phonological processing
p. 36
• Simple WM tasks: holding info in mind
over delay
– Develops before 6 m.s; increase in the no of
items over age both in the phonological and
visuospatial buffers
• Show and tell: corsi block span task
• Complex WM tasks: holding in mind and
updating/manipulating info
– Develop in the 2nd year, with continued dev
– More strongly reflect the functioning of the
central attention system
Response Inhibition
• Withholding or restraint of a motor response
• Many tasks involve WM in addition to response
inhibition
• Simple response inhibition tasks: minimal WM
demands while inhibiting a dominant response
– Present during the 1st year; prohibitions
– Inhibit for longer periods with age
• Complex response inhibition tasks: involves
holding an arbitrary rule in mind and inhibiting a
dominant response
– Develops later
• P. 36
Set shifting
• 2 phases
– Preshift phase where participants form a mental set in
which an S-R association is made
• initial working memory load might differ
– Postshift phase where a new mental set is needed
• amount of conflict between the two sets that should be
overcome
• Type of shift: where the conflict occurs at the
perceptual or response level
– Attention shifting
– Response shifting
• P. 37, tasks
Shifting tasks
• Response shifting: A-not-B, etc.
– Perseveration shows an U-shaped function
• İncreases from 5 to 8 months and decreased after 8
• Attention shifting: Dimensional change card sort
task (DCCS)
– Have difficulty disengaging from a set when they have
to overcome a perceptual conflict in order to form the
mental set in the postshift phase AND there is some
overlap between the two sets