Lecture 3: Executive functions Flashcards
What are executive functions?
congitive control processes; mainly supported by prefrontal cortex; regulate lower-level processes
What are some examples of executive functions?
self-regulation; self-directed behavior towards a goal; breaking out of habits; decision making; risk evaluation; planning the future; prioritize and sequence actions; cope with novelty
What are main aspects of executive functions in original model?
shifting, inhibition, updating
What tasks measure shifting?
Wisonsin Card Sorting Task; making task B = switch between digits and letters
What happens in Wiconsin Card Sorting Task when there is a lesion in frontal cortex?
there is perseveration - failed inhibition of firstly learned response
What tasks measure inhibition?
Stroop task, go/no go
What tasks measure updating?
spatial n back
What happened when original model has been investigated with twin studies?
The common executive function factor has been added. The inhibition component has been moved to common EF as individual differences in common EF fully accounted for individual differences in inhibition
Why is it hard to measure specific EF?
because usually also common EF, non-EF processes and error are being measured
What are dangers associated with inadequate measurements?
more subtle aspects of EF may be missed due to ceiling effects and error; this can result in false negatives
What happens in addiction + depression?
There is reduced executive functioning. Alcoholics are distracted at task performance when they see pictures of alcohol. People with depression have prepotent response of depressive thoughts and struggle to replace it with positive thoughts
Why central executive is included in Baddeley’s working memory model?
Because there is a need for control proccesses when task demands are high.
What specific problem show Alzheimer’s patients relating to central executive?
Thet show significant drop in performance (40%) in dual-task. Therefore, they have no issue with remembering or tracking itself - however there appears to be problem with task coordination. There may be also issue with temporary binding (expertise of episodic buffer). This relates to the fact that single brain idea is not sufficient for task performance - there is need for aid from frontal cortex.
How to measure central executive?
random generation
