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Executive functions
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A document detailing the concept of executive functions, how they work in practice, psychological tasks that test executive functions and theoretical accounts of executive functions.
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Executive Functions, The Concept of Executive Functions
• Executive Functions (EF), similar to attention, are
somewhat problematic to define in cognitive
psychology. Here are some useful suggestions: o
Processes involved in optimization of performance
in situations that require coordination between a
number of cognitive processes (Baddeley, 1986).
o Supervisory, controlling or meta-cognitive
processes, rather than specific to one domain such
as, memory, perception or language (Goldberg,
2001). o Linked to the distinction between
automatic and controlled processes (Schneider &
Shiffrin, 1977) with controlled behaviour relying on
executive functions
o Strongly linked with the Prefrontal Cortex (PFC)
The PFC is a brain region that shows a
clear evolutionary progression (see slide).
In humans, it occupies about a third of the
whole cortical volume.
The PFC is typically divided into 3 surfaces
(see slide):
• The Lateral surface (from dorsal to ventral)
• The Medial surface (between the two
hemispheres)
• The Orbitofrontal surface (above the eyes).
The PFC is connected with almost all the rest of the brain
(in particular sensory areas, motor systems as well as
with regions implicated in emotion and memory). As such
the PFC is strategically positioned to allow for control and
coordination of a variety of brain mechanisms.
The lateral surfaces have been linked to “cold” control
processes, that is, the executive control of cognitive
functions. The orbital parts and adjacent medial surface
are more linked to “hot” control processes, that is,
executive control over emotion and social behaviour
(compare this to your knowledge about Phineas Gage!).
Metaphorically speaking, the PFC can be seen as the
“conductor of the brain orchestra”, making sure that all
processes required for a given task are well coordinated
and synchronized. For example, when you are asked to
do an attention task in the lab, you need to remember the
task instructions (working memory), press the correct
buttons at the correct time (motor functions), and attend
to the correct information (focused attention). Executive
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