Measuring Executive function: Performance-based versus self-report, evidence from a community sample.

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Cross-Cultural Psychology

Background:

• Executive functions (EF) are assessed using performance-based tasks (PBT) and self-report questionnaires (SRQ).
• Previous research shows weak correlations between PBT and SRQ, questioning their comparability.
• It's unclear if weak correlations stem from true lack of association or methodological limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of measurement methods on the assessment of executive functions.
• To examine the cross-cultural generalizability of discrepancies between PBT and SRQ for EF assessment.
• To explore how cultural factors may influence self-reported executive functions.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive battery of three PBT and three SRQ targeting working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibition.
• Bayesian correlation and Bayesian linear mixed models (BLMM) were employed.
• Study conducted on a Turkish community sample (n=193) of adults.

Main Results:

• Weak correlations (r < .30) were found between PBT and SRQ measures of EF.
• BLMM analysis indicated significant measurement method effects on working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility.
• Evidence supports the hypothesis that measurement methods differentially impact EF assessment.

Conclusions:

• Measurement methods significantly influence the assessment of executive functions, independent of the specific EF domain.
• Findings highlight the need to consider distinct contributions of PBT and SRQ in EF research.
• Results suggest cultural norms around self-evaluation impact SRQ responses, particularly in non-Western samples.