Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does 'inhibition' primarily refer to in executive functions?
What does 'inhibition' primarily refer to in executive functions?
Which of the following best describes 'shifting' in the context of executive functions?
Which of the following best describes 'shifting' in the context of executive functions?
What does the marshmallow test primarily assess?
What does the marshmallow test primarily assess?
What is the main explanation for infants displaying the A not B error?
What is the main explanation for infants displaying the A not B error?
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Which of the following is NOT one of the three main components of executive functions?
Which of the following is NOT one of the three main components of executive functions?
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How does the concept of preservation relate to executive functions in infants?
How does the concept of preservation relate to executive functions in infants?
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What role does context play in the preservation reaching tasks for infants?
What role does context play in the preservation reaching tasks for infants?
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Which of the following best defines executive functions?
Which of the following best defines executive functions?
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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
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A-not-B error: Infants demonstrate "preservative reaching" (persisting with an inappropriate response).
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Preservative Reaching is usually evident until 10 months of age.
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Preservation: Persisting with a response despite inapplicability.
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Piaget's theory: Infants lack object permanence (understanding objects exist even when out of sight).
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Other research: Challenges Piaget's view; links object permanence failure to memory and action control deficits (i.e., executive functions).
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Contextual influences on the A-not-B error: Theory of mind-type tasks, contexts, posture, and potential memory and spatial manipulation issues affect performance.
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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.
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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.