Executive Control is a HUGE topic. This week, instead we focus on a simple explanation of executive control. Executive control is comprised of many elements, four of which are highlighted here.
Consider the following examples.
1. Executive Control and Working Memory
During performance of the "n back task", one needs to constantly add information to and remove information from the working memory buffer. The "central executive" (c.f., Baddely and Hitch, 1974), is the executive control process responsible for moving items in and out of working memory.
Game: Play the n-back task here!
Video: Baddeley on the Central Executive
2. Executive Control and Goal Planning
When one plays Towers of Hanoi it is necessary to keep track of both short term and long term goals. Executive control systems are what allow us to do this.
Game: Play the Towers of Hanoi here!
Video: Executive Control (long)
3. Executive Control and Task Switching
A key function of executive control is to allow us to switch between tasks, something that is commonly referred to as task switching.
Game: Play the Wisconsin Card Sorting task here!
Video: Problems with Task Switching
4. Executive Control and Response Inhibition
The last function of executive control covered here is our ability to inhibit responses. In other words, the executive control system stops us from making the an incorrect or inappropriate response. The Stroop task is an excellent example of when response inhibition is needed.
Game: Play the Stroop Task here!
Video: Executive Control (long)
Preparatory Questions and Activities
1. Read the Cohen et a. 1990 paper that is HERE.
2. Within the Cohen et al. paper, how is executive control added to the model. Specifically, look at Figure 1. The "executive control" neurons are the "colour naming" and "word reading" neurons. When they are active, what do they do?
3. What do these neurons tell you about executive control processes and how they really operate? Do the results of the more advanced models in the rest of the paper support this?
4. Pick one of the other executive control tasks above (#1, #2, or #3). Using a diagram or a flow chart (not a full neural network), come up with a conceptual map as to how "executive control" fits into and modulates task performance.
5. Review the paper HERE. What neural regions does this paper implicate in the role of executive control? What do these regions specifically do?
6. Find another research paper that supports (or argues against) the role of the neural regions identified by Robinson et al. in executive control. What are the similarities and differences?
7. Find another computational modelling paper that attempts to mimic an executive control function. NOTE - computational models typically can perform only a single task. No one model will play all of the games outlined above! Examine the paper to see how executive control is implemented. What are the similarities and differences between your paper and the Cohen et al. paper.
Exam Question
7. What is executive control? Use the Cohen paper and your modelling papers to discuss how executive control processes bias task performance. Ensure you make reference to your answer for question 4 above as an example of this bias. Use the Robison et al. paper and your paper to discuss the neural locus of executive control. Note, you should begin your answer with a review of the four main executive control functions outlined above.
Consider the following examples.
1. Executive Control and Working Memory
During performance of the "n back task", one needs to constantly add information to and remove information from the working memory buffer. The "central executive" (c.f., Baddely and Hitch, 1974), is the executive control process responsible for moving items in and out of working memory.
Game: Play the n-back task here!
Video: Baddeley on the Central Executive
2. Executive Control and Goal Planning
When one plays Towers of Hanoi it is necessary to keep track of both short term and long term goals. Executive control systems are what allow us to do this.
Game: Play the Towers of Hanoi here!
Video: Executive Control (long)
3. Executive Control and Task Switching
A key function of executive control is to allow us to switch between tasks, something that is commonly referred to as task switching.
Game: Play the Wisconsin Card Sorting task here!
Video: Problems with Task Switching
4. Executive Control and Response Inhibition
The last function of executive control covered here is our ability to inhibit responses. In other words, the executive control system stops us from making the an incorrect or inappropriate response. The Stroop task is an excellent example of when response inhibition is needed.
Game: Play the Stroop Task here!
Video: Executive Control (long)
Preparatory Questions and Activities
1. Read the Cohen et a. 1990 paper that is HERE.
2. Within the Cohen et al. paper, how is executive control added to the model. Specifically, look at Figure 1. The "executive control" neurons are the "colour naming" and "word reading" neurons. When they are active, what do they do?
3. What do these neurons tell you about executive control processes and how they really operate? Do the results of the more advanced models in the rest of the paper support this?
4. Pick one of the other executive control tasks above (#1, #2, or #3). Using a diagram or a flow chart (not a full neural network), come up with a conceptual map as to how "executive control" fits into and modulates task performance.
5. Review the paper HERE. What neural regions does this paper implicate in the role of executive control? What do these regions specifically do?
6. Find another research paper that supports (or argues against) the role of the neural regions identified by Robinson et al. in executive control. What are the similarities and differences?
7. Find another computational modelling paper that attempts to mimic an executive control function. NOTE - computational models typically can perform only a single task. No one model will play all of the games outlined above! Examine the paper to see how executive control is implemented. What are the similarities and differences between your paper and the Cohen et al. paper.
Exam Question
7. What is executive control? Use the Cohen paper and your modelling papers to discuss how executive control processes bias task performance. Ensure you make reference to your answer for question 4 above as an example of this bias. Use the Robison et al. paper and your paper to discuss the neural locus of executive control. Note, you should begin your answer with a review of the four main executive control functions outlined above.