Advancing the Understanding of the Factor Structure of Executive Functioning
Samsad Afrin Himi1,2, Markus Bühner2, Sven Hilbert3
1Department of Psychology, Jagannath University, Dhaka 1100, Bangladesh.
Journal of Intelligence
|April 3, 2021
Summary
This study explored the structure of executive functioning (EF) and its relationship with working memory capacity, relational integration, and divided attention. Results suggest a five-factor model, with a higher-order factor representing general cognitive ability.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Psychometrics
Background:
- The factor structure of executive functioning (EF) remains a subject of significant debate.
- Understanding EF's components is crucial for cognitive research and applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the underlying factor structure of executive functioning (EF).
- To examine the relationship between EF, working memory capacity (WMC), relational integration, and divided attention.
- To test a definite model of EF including updating, shifting, and inhibition.
Main Methods:
- Confirmatory factor analysis was employed on data from 202 young adults.
- Participants completed a battery of tests assessing EF, WMC, relational integration, and divided attention.
- A hierarchical model was used to analyze the higher-order factor structure.
Main Results:
- A five-factor structure emerged, with distinct factors for shifting, updating, WMC, relational integration/antisaccade, and divided attention/stop signal tasks.
- Hierarchical modeling supported a higher-order factor indicative of general cognitive ability.
- The study provides evidence for specific components contributing to a broader EF construct.
Conclusions:
- The findings support a multi-component model of executive functioning.
- Executive functioning appears to be influenced by working memory capacity, relational integration, and divided attention.
- A general cognitive ability factor underlies these specific executive functions.
Keywords:
divided attentionexecutive functioningfactor structurerelational integrationtask impurityworking memory capacityMore Related Videos
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