Executive Functions: A Study Guide for Cognitive Psychology Exams

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🧠 Definition: Executive functions (EFs) are a set of cognitive processes that control and regulate other cognitive functions and behaviors. Think of them as the brain's 'air traffic control'.
• 📝 Core Components: The three main components are inhibition (controlling impulses), working memory (holding information in mind), and cognitive flexibility (shifting between tasks or ideas).
• 🛑 Inhibition: The ability to suppress dominant, automatic, or prepotent responses. Examples include resisting distractions or avoiding impulsive actions.
• 🧮 Working Memory: The capacity to hold and manipulate information in mind over a short period. Crucial for problem-solving and following instructions.
• 🤸 Cognitive Flexibility: The ability to shift mental sets, adapt to changing demands, and think creatively. Often assessed with tasks like the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test.
• 📈 Development: EFs develop rapidly during childhood and adolescence, with the prefrontal cortex playing a key role.
• ⚠️ Disorders: Deficits in EFs are associated with several disorders, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and schizophrenia.

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is NOT considered a core component of executive functions?
   1. A. Inhibition
   2. B. Working Memory
   3. C. Crystallized Intelligence
   4. D. Cognitive Flexibility
2. The ability to resist distractions and control impulses is primarily related to which executive function?
   1. A. Working Memory
   2. B. Cognitive Flexibility
   3. C. Inhibition
   4. D. Planning
3. Which brain region is MOST associated with executive functions?
   1. A. Occipital Lobe
   2. B. Temporal Lobe
   3. C. Parietal Lobe
   4. D. Prefrontal Cortex
4. The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test is commonly used to assess:
   1. A. Working Memory Capacity
   2. B. Inhibitory Control
   3. C. Cognitive Flexibility
   4. D. Processing Speed
5. Which of the following is an example of using working memory?
   1. A. Recalling your childhood home address
   2. B. Mentally calculating a tip at a restaurant
   3. C. Recognizing a familiar face
   4. D. Riding a bicycle
6. Deficits in executive functions are commonly observed in individuals with:
   1. A. High Emotional Intelligence
   2. B. Superior Motor Skills
   3. C. ADHD
   4. D. Exceptional Musical Talent
7. What is the role of executive functions?
   1. A. To process sensory information
   2. B. To control and regulate other cognitive functions
   3. C. To store long-term memories
   4. D. To coordinate motor movements