Cognitive control and inhibition

Question 1

Core executive functions

Answer 1

• Working memory
• Inhibitor control
• Cognitive flexibility

Question 2

Cognitive control - Inhibition

Answer 2

Not simply stimulus-response driven

Delay rewards and plan (buy food now, rush home and then eat)

Question 3

What is cognition

Answer 3

Basis for intelligent behaviour

Overrides reflexive responses in favour of complex long term goals

Question 4

Working memory

Answer 4

Holding info in mind and working with it

Baddeley & Hitch (1974)

Question 5

Cognitive flexibility

Answer 5

Changing perspectives or approaches to a problem

Requires or builds on other executive functions

Task switching and set shifting tasks

Wisconsin card sorting test

Question 6

Inhibitory control - Inhibition

Answer 6

Controlling ones attention, behaviour, thoughts and emotions to override a strong internal predisposition

Question 7

Reaction times

Answer 7

Reaction times can be measured in simple response tasks

Reaction times vary

Can describe the shape with a mathematical model

Question 8

Behavioural tasks involving inhibition

Answer 8

• Stroop task
• Marshmallow test
• Go/NoGo task
• Stop-signal task (Commonly used, cannot directly measure it)

Question 9

Proactive inhibition

Answer 9

The ability to adjust behaviour in anticipation of potentially having to inhibit a response

Red light

Visible as a change in the go reaction time

Increasing focus on proactive inhibition

We prepare to stop using by exerting proactive control