Title: Do Executive Functions Predict Performance in All Switching Tasks
Abstract: Do Executive Functions Predict Performance in All Switching Tasks? Andrea Molzhon Virginia Commonwealth University Michelle Ellefson Virginia Commonwealth University Elisabeth Blagrove University of Warwick Nick Chater University College London Abstract: Previous task switching studies have demonstrated improvements in switching abilities throughout child- hood and adolescence. This pattern may reflect a development of executive functions, as efficient switching may depend on two processes: inhibition and switching. The current study examined the relation between executive functions and task switching with participants from 6 years to adulthood across different contexts: figure matching, arithmetic, and reading. Executive functions were measured using an extended version of Shape School. Separate path analyses indicated that executive skills account for switching in all contexts, but the fit of the reading model did not meet acceptable standards. The results supported the importance of both age and executive functions on task switching ability for figure matching and arithmetic, but not necessarily reading. Therefore, it could be the case that the contribution of executive functions in task switching experiments may not be equivalent, potentially depending on the strength of switch.
Publication Year: 2009
Publication Date: 2009-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
Access and Citation
AI Researcher Chatbot
Get quick answers to your questions about the article from our AI researcher chatbot