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Multimodal Protocol for Assessing Metacognition and Self-Regulation in Adults with Learning Difficulties

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A developmental perspective on executive function.

John R Best¹, Patricia H Miller

¹University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.

Child Development

|November 17, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Executive function (EF) develops throughout childhood and adolescence, with key components like inhibition, working memory, and shifting strengthening over time. This review explores EF development across broad age ranges, informing a comprehensive developmental framework.

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Area of Science:

Developmental Psychology
Cognitive Neuroscience
Child Psychology

Background:

Executive function (EF) is crucial for cognitive control.
Most research on EF development focuses on early childhood.
A comprehensive understanding of EF development across childhood and adolescence is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

To examine theoretical and methodological issues in constructing a developmental perspective on executive function.
To focus on studies with large age ranges, encompassing childhood and adolescence.
To outline the developmental trajectories of core EF components.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on executive function development.
Analysis of studies covering broad age ranges from early childhood through adolescence.
Examination of cognitive and neurophysiological assessment data.

Main Results:

Executive function emerges in early life and strengthens significantly throughout childhood and adolescence.
Key components of EF, including inhibition, working memory, and shifting, exhibit distinct developmental trajectories.
Developmental sequences, trajectories, and processes are key considerations in EF development.

Conclusions:

A robust developmental framework for executive function is needed, extending from early childhood through adolescence.
Further research is required to fully understand the developmental processes and trajectories of EF components.
The review highlights the continuous development of EF beyond the preschool years.