Executive Functions Overview
8 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What does 'inhibition' primarily refer to in executive functions?

  • The ability to learn new rules quickly
  • Self-control and resisting distractions (correct)
  • The ability to remember information
  • The ability to use logic and reason

Which of the following best describes 'shifting' in the context of executive functions?

  • Maintaining focus on a single task over time
  • Resisting the urge to respond to distractions
  • Adjusting to new demands and changing rules (correct)
  • The ability to memorize information effectively

What does the marshmallow test primarily assess?

  • Cool executive functions and mental processing speed
  • Children's ability to memorize tasks
  • Object permanence in young children
  • Hot executive functions and self-control (correct)

What is the main explanation for infants displaying the A not B error?

<p>Memory and action control deficits (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the three main components of executive functions?

<p>Attention span (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of preservation relate to executive functions in infants?

<p>It reflects their struggle to change responses when needed. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does context play in the preservation reaching tasks for infants?

<p>It can affect their memory and space management. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines executive functions?

<p>Voluntary behaviors that allow goal setting and progress monitoring (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Executive Functions

Abilities enabling voluntary actions by setting goals, resisting distractions, and monitoring progress.

Inhibition (Executive Function)

Self-control; resisting distraction, slowing or stopping a response.

Working Memory (Executive Function)

Holding information in mind for use, like following an argument or doing math.

Shifting (Executive Function)

Mental flexibility; adapting to changes in demands or perspectives.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Preservation (Infancy)

Persisting with an inappropriate response, even when it's wrong.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Marshmallow Test

Test of executive functions, particularly self-control, involving resisting a desired reward.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hot Executive Functions

Executive functions involving emotional responses.

Signup and view all the flashcards

A-not-B Error

Infants' tendency to search for a hidden object in the first location (A) even with it moved to another (B).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Executive Functions

  • Executive functions are abilities enabling voluntary behavior, goal setting, distraction resistance, and progress monitoring.
  • Three core components: inhibition, working memory, and shifting.

Inhibition

  • Definition: Self-control, resisting distractions, suppressing responses.
  • Examples: Slowing, stopping, or holding back known reactions.

Working Memory

  • Definition: Holding information in mind for use.
  • Examples: Following arguments, mental arithmetic, sentence comprehension.

Shifting

  • Definition: Mental/cognitive flexibility, applying new rules, adapting to changing demands, altering perspectives.
  • Examples: Adjusting to changed demands, adapting to new scenarios.

Hot vs. Cool Executive Functions

  • Hot executive functions: Situations involving strong emotional responses (e.g., wanting to eat a marshmallow immediately).
  • Cool executive functions: Situations with less emotional influence.

Marshmallow Test (Mischel & Mischel, 1987)

  • Test of "hot" executive functions: measures children's ability to delay gratification.

Infant Executive Function Development

  • A-not-B error: Infants demonstrate "preservative reaching" (persisting with an inappropriate response).

  • Preservative Reaching is usually evident until 10 months of age.

  • Preservation: Persisting with a response despite inapplicability.

  • Piaget's theory: Infants lack object permanence (understanding objects exist even when out of sight).

  • Other research: Challenges Piaget's view; links object permanence failure to memory and action control deficits (i.e., executive functions).

  • Contextual influences on the A-not-B error: Theory of mind-type tasks, contexts, posture, and potential memory and spatial manipulation issues affect performance.

  • Multi-location search tasks and A-not-B: Demonstrate the impact of context on infancy executive functions by covering/uncovering different sheets and requiring the baby to manage the change in space by drawing on their memory.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Description

Explore the key components of executive functions, including inhibition, working memory, and shifting. This quiz covers both hot and cool executive functions, focusing on their definitions, examples, and applications in real-life scenarios. Test your understanding of how these cognitive abilities shape behavior and goal-setting.

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser