Topic 6 - executive function Flashcards

1
Q

what is executive function

A
  • essential to activities of daily living
  • underlies behavioural adaptations to our dynamic environment (connections with surroundings)
    -capacity to flexibility plan purposeful behaviour
  • considered responsible for the synthesis of external stimuli and prep for action
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2
Q

what are the 3 main sub domains in executive function

A

inhibitory control
working memory
cognitive flexibility

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3
Q

what is inhibitory control

A
  • ability to pause and think before action
  • overcome inclinations to do one thing and do what is appropriate / needed
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4
Q

what is response inhibition (type of inhibitory control)

A
  • suppression of actions that are inappropriate in a given context and that interfere with goal driven behaviour
  • started a behaviour that isn’t right and the ability to change it part way through
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5
Q

what is working memory

A

ability to hold info in short term memory and mentally manipulate that info in order to store in long term and use them appropriately

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6
Q

what is cognitive flexibility

A
  • ability to flexibly adjust to changed demands, priorities, environments, or perspectives
  • underpins ability to make new connections, see implications, and form analogies
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7
Q

what is the dorsolateral PFC involved in

A

main driver for executive function
- online processing of info (integrating different dimensions or cognition and behaviour)
- cognitive flexibility
- response inhibition

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8
Q

what is the orbitofrontal cortex involved in

A
  • impulse control
  • maintenance of set
  • monitoring ongoing behaviour
  • socially appropriate behaviours
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9
Q

what is the anterior cingulate (deep to dlPFC, and orbitofrontal cortex) involved in

A
  • emotional drives
  • experience
  • integration
  • aids in inhibition of inappropriate responses
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10
Q

what is the overall role of executive function

A

handle novel situations outside of the domain of more automated psych processes
- planning
- decision making
- error correction
- immediate responses
- dangerous situations
- overcoming habitual responses (smoking, alcoholism, etc)

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11
Q

how does executive function develop

A
  • not developed at birth
  • starts developing after around a year
  • gain inhibitory control and attentional capacities as they mature and change
  • around 15 - close to adult levels
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