Development and plasticity of executive functions: A value-based account.
Keertana Ganesan1, Nikolaus Steinbeis1
1Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
Current Opinion in Psychology
|October 30, 2021
Summary
Executive functions, crucial for daily life, are influenced by cost-benefit calculations during development. Understanding this can lead to better interventions for improving cognitive skills and overall wellbeing.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Executive functions are vital for cognitive, social, and emotional well-being throughout life.
- Early executive function skills predict later success and wellbeing.
- Current interventions aim to enhance executive functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of cost-benefit computations in the development of executive functions.
- To propose novel intervention strategies based on these computational insights.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent findings on executive function development.
- Analysis of cost-benefit computations in executive function deployment.
Main Results:
- Cost-benefit computations significantly influence how executive functions develop and are utilized.
- These computations offer a new perspective on executive function plasticity.
Conclusions:
- Integrating cost-benefit principles into interventions can enhance their effectiveness.
- Future interventions should consider the computational underpinnings of executive function development.
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