W8 executive brain Flashcards
(20 cards)
executive function/control is
higher-order control
- optimises performance in situations that need coordination of cognitive processes
- supervisory/controlling
coordinates things like memory, perception
Executive control Functions
whats it for?
- working memory
- multi-tasking
- task switching
- inhibition
- rewards
Verbal fluency task
- inhibition, WM
- name as many words starting with F
- damage to PFC = reduced verbal fluency
Where is the executive brain?
- prefrontal cortex
- orbitofrontal + ventromedial prefrontal cortex
-anterior cingulate cortex - central executive network
Prefrontal cortex is where
front of brain
- ventrolateral PFC - retrieval semantic info
- dorsolateral PFC - attention, monitoring
- anterior PFC - multi-taking, goals
Orbitofrontal + ventromedial PFC is for
- executive processing of affective stimuli
- decision making
reward, emotion
Anterior cingulate cortex
- error detection
- motivational costs
- modulatory limbic and frontal
central exective network
- activated with task-related activities
- goal directed
lateral PFC, dmPFC, PPC, FEF
Fluid vs crystallised Intelligence
F=- using logic, problem solving
- novel situations
C= previously accumulated knowledge
F= lateral PFC, anterior cingulate
1
Working memory
- controlled by central executive
- buffers for storage and maintenance
–> visuospatial sketchpad
–> episodic buffers
–> phonological loop
no stimulis - PFC activity
monkies - focus on probe appears, disappears
2
task setting and problem solving
Tower of london task
- moving circles to different pegs in
- PFC activated
damange to PFC excessive moves = poor planning
4
Multi-tasking
- strategic direction of attention to multiple tasks
- PFC lesion patients fail to switch tasks, plan but never execute
5
Wisconsin card sorting
(task-switching)
what’s perseveration?
- match card with option of 4
- start to learn rule
- rule changes
–> perseveration = fail to shift and continues with incorrect rile
–> this impairment is related to frontal lobe damage
5 cont.
task-switching
digit letter task
switch cost=
- grid of ‘say letter’ ‘say number’
- faster on non-switch trials
- slower on letter to digit vice versa
=** switch cost** -switch from old to new task, PFC
6
Inhibition
(go-no go task, STROOP test)
clap for letter ‘b’
- executive control includes inhibiting actions/cognitions/perceptual processes
- inconsistent with task goal
- Stroop = involves anterior cingulate cortex
6
inhibition –> impulsivity
= dorsal anterior cingulate abnormalitiees
-linked to impulsive ADHD
- sensation seeking reduced thickness in AC
7
Decision making
affect - Ioka gambling task
- card game, good and bad deck
- learn through the process
participants with OFC/vmPFC damage dont learn (more risky)
8
-decision-making-
time and effort devaluation
OFC/vmPFC
discount - less value
delay discount = future rewards valued less than immediate
effort discounting = rewards less rewarding when require effort
D= $100 now or $110 next week
E= reward on easy/hard task
9
Monitoring for errors
- linked to Anterior cingulate cortex
- monkeys with ACC lesion, more errors after error-trial
- didnt adjust behaviour
ERP - incorrect response, greater Error Related Negativity
can you improve executive brain?
- time management
- brain training
–> meditation - to become non-affective - 3 months meditative training
- not influenced by judgement/feelings of stimuli
- attentional blink improved, less impairment in reporting T2
enough attention for T1 and T2
