Changes in working memory influence the transition from reactive to proactive cognitive control during childhood
Sonya V Troller-Renfree1, George A Buzzell1, Nathan A Fox1
1Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
Developmental Science
|March 7, 2020
Summary
Children transition from reactive to proactive cognitive control by age 9. This shift is linked to improved working memory, supported by increased neural activity, highlighting working memory
Area of Science:
- Developmental psychology
- Cognitive neuroscience
- Neurodevelopment
Background:
- Cognitive control undergoes significant development in early childhood.
- A key developmental shift is from reactive to proactive control strategies.
- Understanding the transition to proactive control and its neural basis is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental transition from reactive to proactive cognitive control in children.
- To examine the neural correlates associated with this transition.
- To determine the role of executive functions, particularly working memory, in adopting proactive control.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 79 children (5- and 9-year-olds).
- Utilized an adapted AX-Continuous Performance Task with electroencephalography (EEG) recording.
- Administered a standardized executive function battery.
Main Results:
- Five-year-olds predominantly used reactive control, while 9-year-olds employed proactive control.
- Working memory ability significantly predicted proactive control strategy use.
- Proactive control engagement correlated with increased neural activity in working memory updating regions.
Conclusions:
- The transition from reactive to proactive control is age-dependent, occurring between 5 and 9 years.
- Working memory capacity and its neural underpinnings are critical for the development and use of proactive control.
- Working memory influences the adoption of proactive control strategies through neurocognitive mechanisms.
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