Intro to EFs

Question 1

executive functions vs cognitive functions

Answer 1

• exec have control over cognitive functions
• cog functions are memory, language, attention, etc.

Question 2

Luria’s conceptualization of regulatory functions

Answer 2

• split brain into 3 units
  unit 1: brain stem, keeps you alive
  unit 2: sensory processing
  unit 3: programs and controls mental activity and behaviour (frontal lobe), executive functioning

Question 3

Regulation of states of activity (Luria)

Answer 3

• Frontal lobes provide cortical tone, critical for voluntary attention
• frontal lobe damage alters
• Damage alters the higher, cortical forms of activation (endogenous attention)
• becomes more difficult for them to control attention, more reactive to the environment
• lower forms of activation remain intact (exogenous attention)

Question 4

cortical tone

Answer 4

• physiological brain signal
• prepares you to be able to deploy attention

Question 5

endogenous attention

Answer 5

• choosing to pay attention to something
• requires more mental resources and effort
• slower

Question 6

exogenous attention

Answer 6

• reacting to the environment
• faster

Question 7

Regulation of movements and actions (Luria)

Answer 7

• frontal lobes and ‘optimal tone’ are critical for generating plans and intentions to control
  behavior while also resisting distractions
• damage should not impair all behavior, but rather higher forms of organized behavior

Question 8

Regulation of mnestic and intellectual actions (Luria)

Answer 8

• Frontal lobe damage does not result in a primary memory impairment, but does impair complex memory
• impairs control of memory
• difficulty using memory strategies
• impulsivity can fragment their ability, increased reliance on stereotypical behavior
• frontal lobe patients have difficulty analyzing info in a thoughtful way