Executive function

Question 1

What are key features of executive dysfunction

Answer 1

Loss of goal oriented behaviour

Stimulus driven behaviour

deficit in initiation of behaviour (apathy)

Impaired monitoring of responses

Disinhibition (socially inappropriate)

Question 2

When is executive function required

Answer 2

The situation requires a response that competes with a strong, habitual response

A novel solution is required or the task is not well learnt

The situation requires correction or troubleshooting

Question 3

What is executive function

Answer 3

description of psychological processes that underlie flexible goal directed behaviour (e.g. planning behaviour, inhibitory control, attentional flexibility, working memory, monitoring)

Question 4

What does the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test measure

Answer 4

The ability to learn concepts and considered a good measure of frontal lobe functioning

Question 5

What is N-Back last used to assess and what is it

Answer 5

Continuous performance task used to assess prefrontal function. Patients required to hold information over successive trials

Question 6

How is temporal memory assessed

Answer 6

Remembering the order of events or actions

Question 7

How is attentional control measured

Answer 7

selecting task relevant information

accentuate attended information

excluding irrelevant information

Question 8

What does executive control ensure

Answer 8

Our behaviour is:

• goal oriented rather than stimulus driven
• ->Involves identify goals, holding these in mind
• ->Monitoring behaviour (correcting errors, inhibiting alternatives)

Question 9

What is executive dysfunction

Answer 9

Subtle or overt behavioural and cognitive deficits in executive control, often associated with frontal lobe damage