9: The Executive Brain Flashcards
define: executive functions
control processes that enable an individual to optimise performance, requiring coordination of basic cognitive processes - brain’s conductor
what kind of tasks (4) do executive functions control?
- Problem solving
- Overcoming habitual responses
- Task-switching
- Multi-tasking
what part of the brain are executive functions associated with in general?
prefrontal cortex
which parts of the prefrontal cortex are associated with problem solving?
ventrolateral & dorsolateral
what part of the prefrontal cortex is associated with multi-tasking?
polar PFC
which parts of the prefrontal cortex are associated with task-switching?
orbifrontal & ventromedial PFC
which parts of the prefrontal cortex are associated with overcoming habitual responses?
anterior cingulate cortex
how does trait deliberation modulate brain activity during problem solving tasks
Increased left dorsolateral PFC activation in individuals with high trait deliberation when solving problems
what are 2 examples of habitual response tests?
go/no go test
stroop test
when looking at executive functions what is the role of the anterior cingulate cortex?
error detection
what are the 2 proposed roles the ACC plays in error detection?
Strategic control processes to reduce response conflict in a top-down manner?
Evaluative processes just to detect response conflict (different neural correlates for control)
what are the dorsal & ventral regions of the ACC implicated in?
- Dorsal region = executive functions
- Ventral region = emotional processing
what are 2 examples of tests of task-switching?
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST)
Iowa Gambling Task
is the ‘switch cost’ in the wisconsin card sorting test?
difference in reaction times between pattern No-switch and Switch trials
which area of the brain shows activity during the switch trials in the Wisconsin card sorting task?
dorsolateral PFC