Issues in the Conceptualization and Assessment of Hot Executive Functions in Childhood

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 152-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marilyn Welsh ◽  
Eric Peterson
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Construct Validity ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Effortful Control ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Current State ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
The Individual

AbstractOur review examines the current state of the research on hot executive function (EF), as contrasted with cool EF, with regard to the evidence for construct validity. Current theoretical discussions have examined the conceptual overlap among constructs such as hot EF, effortful control, self-control, and self-regulation. We explore this emerging literature with a focus on research questions, tasks, and methods. Finally, we consider the unresolved questions facing the study of hot EF, most notably the difficulty in determining the relative “heat” of a given task based on task content, testing context, and the individual differences among the participants. (JINS, 2014, 20, 1–5)

scholarly journals SELF-REGULATION OF PERSONALITY AS A PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PEDAGOGICAL PROBLEM

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (4) ◽  
pp. 53-59
Author(s):  
Olena Denis
Keyword(s):  
Self Regulation ◽  
State Regulation ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Scientific Concepts ◽  
Education Development ◽  
Individual Organism ◽  
Self Organized ◽  
Current State ◽  
Regulation Of Activity ◽  
The Individual

The article reveals the essence of the concept of «self-regulation» and «self-regulation of personality». The current state of the problem self-regulation of personality is considered in the following positions: functions or properties of self-organized systems; complex multilevel systemic education; development of conscious self-regulation in activity and also this concept was studied in the aspect - "personality-activity". The current state of the problem of self-regulation of personality has been considered on the basis of existing scientific approaches such as subject-activity approach through understanding of conscious self-regulation of activity as a system-organized process of internal mental activity of man for initiation, construction, support and management of various types and forms of arbitrary activity that directly implements the achievement of goals that are accepted by man; structural-functional approach through self-regulation of arbitrary activity, which is characterized as the ability of the subject and as a process. Scientific concepts are of considerable interest for our study that have developed within the framework of: systemactivity concept of self-regulation of the state, in which self-regulation is characterized as an activity and as a state; the concept of individual style of self-regulation of arbitrary human activity; concepts that develop a view of selfregulation as a hierarchically organized system, which involves processes of different levels of individuality. A theoretical analysis of the problem of formation of the concept of «self-regulation of personality» in the scientific literature of various fields of knowledge has been done. A retrospective of scientific research on personality selfregulation is revealed: from understanding it as the most important explanatory principle in the system approach based on theories of functional systems as abilities and properties of the individual organism, to studying this category as a process and independent activity in functional state regulation. The basic conceptual positions, directions of researches and formation of the basic scientific concepts are considered. The basic conceptual positions and directions of researches in which the basic concepts from a researched problem are formulated are considered. Mechanisms of personality self-regulation such as self-esteem, level of one's own aspirations, self-control, reflection, self-stimulation are revealed.

Inhibition tasks are not associated with self-regulation outcomes in healthy college students

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Curtis David Von Gunten ◽  
Bruce D Bartholow ◽  
Jorge S. Martins
Keyword(s):  
Latent Variable ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Life Outcomes ◽  
Variable Level ◽  
Cast Doubt ◽  
The Individual

Executive functioning (EF) is defined as a set of top-down processes used in reasoning, forming goals, planning, concentrating, and inhibition. It is widely believed that these processes are critical to self-regulation and, therefore, that performance on behavioral task measures of EF should be associated with individual differences in everyday life outcomes. The purpose of the present study was to test this core assumption, focusing on the EF facet of inhibition. A sample of 463 undergraduates completed five laboratory inhibition tasks, along with three self-report measures of self-control and 28 self-report measures of life outcomes. Results showed that although most of the life outcome measures were associated with self-reported self-control, none of the life outcomes were associated with inhibition task performance at the latent-variable level, and few associations were found at the individual task level. These findings challenge the criterion validity of lab-based inhibition tasks. More generally, when considered alongside the known lack of convergent validity between inhibition tasks and self-report measures of self-control, the findings cast doubt on the task’s construct validity as measures of self-control processes. Potential methodological and theoretical reasons for the poor performance of laboratory-based inhibition tasks are discussed.

scholarly journals Genetic and environmental architecture of conscientiousness in adolescence

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yusuke Takahashi ◽  
Anqing Zheng ◽  
Shinji Yamagata ◽  
Juko Ando
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Effortful Control ◽  
Genetic Variance ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Common Factor ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Genetic Analyses ◽  
Environmental Correlations ◽  
Per Se

AbstractUsing a genetically informative design (about 2000 twin pairs), we investigated the phenotypic and genetic and environmental architecture of a broad construct of conscientiousness (including conscientiousness per se, effortful control, self-control, and grit). These four different measures were substantially correlated; the coefficients ranged from 0.74 (0.72–0.76) to 0.79 (0.76–0.80). Univariate genetic analyses revealed that individual differences in conscientiousness measures were moderately attributable to additive genetic factors, to an extent ranging from 62 (58–65) to 64% (61–67%); we obtained no evidence that shared environmental influences were observed. Multivariate genetic analyses showed that for the four measures used to assess conscientiousness, genetic correlations were stronger than the corresponding non-shared environmental correlations, and that a latent common factor accounted for over 84% of the genetic variance. Our findings suggest that individual differences in the four measures of conscientiousness are not distinguishable at both the phenotypic and behavioural genetic levels, and that the overlap was substantially attributable to genetic factors.

scholarly journals Eye contact effect: The role of vagal regulation and reactivity, and self-regulation of attention

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alicja Niedźwiecka
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functions ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Eye Contact ◽  
Autonomic Regulation ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Effective Strategies ◽  
Contact Effect ◽  
The Individual

AbstractEye contact is a crucial aspect of social interactions that may enhance an individual’s cognitive performance (i.e. the eye contact effect) or hinder it (i.e. face-to-face interference effect). In this paper, I focus on the influence of eye contact on cognitive performance in tasks engaging executive functions. I present a hypothesis as to why some individuals benefit from eye contact while others do not. I propose that the relations between eye contact and executive functioning are modulated by an individual’s autonomic regulation and reactivity and self-regulation of attention. In particular, I propose that individuals with more optimal autonomic regulation and reactivity, and more effective self-regulation of attention benefit from eye contact. Individuals who are less well regulated and over- or under-reactive and who do not employ effective strategies of self-regulation of attention may not benefit from eye contact and may perform better when eye contact is absent. I present some studies that justify the proposed hypothesis and point to a method that could be employed to test them. This approach could help to better understand the complex mechanisms underlying the individual differences in participant’s cognitive performance during tasks engaging executive functions.

scholarly journals Dispositional individual differences in cognitive effort investment: establishing the core construct

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Corinna Kührt ◽  
Sebastian Pannasch ◽  
Stefan J. Kiebel ◽  
Alexander Strobel
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Latent Variables ◽  
Effortful Control ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Cognitive Effort ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Behavioral Measures ◽  
Effort Discounting ◽  
Cognitive Motivation ◽  
Goal Directed Behavior

Abstract Background Individuals tend to avoid effortful tasks, regardless of whether they are physical or mental in nature. Recent experimental evidence is suggestive of individual differences in the dispositional willingness to invest cognitive effort in goal-directed behavior. The traits need for cognition (NFC) and self-control are related to behavioral measures of cognitive effort discounting and demand avoidance, respectively. Given that these traits are only moderately related, the question arises whether they reflect a common core factor underlying cognitive effort investment. If so, the common core of both traits might be related to behavioral measures of effort discounting in a more systematic fashion. To address this question, we aimed at specifying a core construct of cognitive effort investment that reflects dispositional differences in the willingness and tendency to exert effortful control. Methods We conducted two studies (N = 613 and N = 244) with questionnaires related to cognitive motivation and effort investment including assessment of NFC, intellect, self-control and effortful control. We first calculated Pearson correlations followed by two mediation models regarding intellect and its separate aspects, seek and conquer, as mediators. Next, we performed a confirmatory factor analysis of a hierarchical model of cognitive effort investment as second-order latent variable. First-order latent variables were cognitive motivation reflecting NFC and intellect, and effortful self-control reflecting self-control and effortful control. Finally, we calculated Pearson correlations between factor scores of the latent variables and general self-efficacy as well as traits of the Five Factor Model of Personality for validation purposes. Results Our findings support the hypothesized correlations between the assessed traits, where the relationship of NFC and self-control is specifically mediated via goal-directedness. We established and replicated a hierarchical factor model of cognitive motivation and effortful self-control that explains the shared variance of the first-order factors by a second-order factor of cognitive effort investment. Conclusions Taken together, our results integrate disparate literatures on cognitive motivation and self-control and provide a basis for further experimental research on the role of dispositional individual differences in goal-directed behavior and cost–benefit-models.

scholarly journals Predictive Influence of Executive Functions, Effortful Control, Empathy, and Social Behavior on the Academic Performance in Early Adolescents

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 253-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan P. Zorza ◽  
Julián Marino ◽  
Alberto Acosta Mesas
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Social Behavior ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Effortful Control ◽  
Social Preference ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Early Adolescents ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Mediating Role

In this study, we explored the predictive role of behavioral measures of Executive Functions (EFs) and a self-report measure of Effortful Control (EC) on the academic performance of early adolescents. We also analyzed the mediating role of self-reported empathy and social behavior rated by peers (i.e., prosocial behavior and social preference) and by the lead teacher (i.e., social competence). A sample of 244 adolescents aged between 12 and 13 years participated in the study. The resulting structural equation model indicated that EFs and EC predict academic performance in a complementary and independent way. Results also confirmed the mediating role of empathy and social behavior. The final model explained 64% of academic performance. We discuss the appropriateness of obtaining complementary measures of EFs and EC in predictions of academic performance as well as the importance of introducing activities involving self-regulation, empathy, and socioemotional skills in the school setting.

scholarly journals The neural correlates of temperamental inhibitory control in toddlers

2018 ◽  
Vol 373 (1744) ◽  
pp. 20170160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline P. Hoyniak ◽  
Isaac T. Petersen ◽  
John E. Bates ◽  
Dennis L. Molfese
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Inhibitory Control ◽  
Effortful Control ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Neural Correlates ◽  
Event Related Potential ◽  
Theme Issue ◽  
Control Dimension

The current study examined the association between effortful control and a well-studied neural index of self-regulation, the N2 event-related potential (ERP) component, in toddlers. Participants included 107 toddlers (44 girls) assessed at 30, 36 and 42 months of age. Participants completed a Go/NoGo task while electroencephalography data were recorded. The study focused on the N2 ERP component. Parent-reported effortful control was examined in association with the NoGo N2 ERP component. Findings suggest a positive association between the NoGo N2 component and the inhibitory control subscale of the wider effortful control dimension, suggesting that the N2 component may index processes associated with temperamental effortful control. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Diverse perspectives on diversity: multi-disciplinary approaches to taxonomies of individual differences’.

scholarly journals Is self-regulation “All in the family”? Testing environmental effects using within-family quasi-experiments

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 224-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirby Deater-Deckard
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Effortful Control ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Relative Difference ◽  
Attention Span ◽  
Weight Difference ◽  
Environment Exposure ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The Individual

Most of the individual difference variance in the population is found within families, yet studying the processes causing this variation is difficult due to confounds between genetic and nongenetic influences. Quasi-experiments can be used to test hypotheses regarding environment exposure (e.g., timing, duration) while controlling for genetic confounds. To illustrate, two studies of cognitive self-regulation in childhood (i.e., working memory, effortful control, attention span/persistence) are presented. Study 1 utilized an identical twin differences design ( N = 85-98 pairs) to control for genetic differences while using relative twin birth weight difference to predict relative twin difference in working memory and effortful control. Larger relative twin difference in working memory and effortful control was predicted by the combination of shorter gestation and larger relative birth weight difference. Study 2 utilized an adoptive sibling relative difference design ( N = 123 same-sex pairs) to control for genetic similarity while using relative sibling difference in age at time of adoption to predict relative sibling difference in attention span/persistence. Larger relative sibling difference in attention span/persistence was predicted by the combination of larger relative difference in time in the adoptive home and age at adoption. Within-family quasi-experimental designs allow stronger inferences about hypothesized environmental influences than between-family designs permit.

scholarly journals Comment on “The Psychology of Creativity: A Critical Reading” by Vlad Petre Glăveanu

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-37
Author(s):  
Beth A. Hennessey
Keyword(s):  
Reform Movement ◽  
Individual Group ◽  
Assessment Technique ◽  
Journal Editors ◽  
Current State ◽  
Consensual Assessment Technique ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Core Mission ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Psychology Of Creativity

AbstractIn this commentary, I applaud Glăveanu’s attempts to shake things up and introduce some much-needed disruption into the study of creativity. Glăveanu is a “ big thinker” and he is correct to worry about the growing fragmentation of the field. I share his concern that the so-called “ social psychology of creativity” really isn’t all that social. Most researchers and theorists continue to decontextualize creativity, giving little attention to the cultural and environmental factors that contribute to creativity of performance. Yet Glăveanu also presents some arguments with which I disagree. Most striking is his apparent misunderstanding of the purpose and functioning of the Consensual Assessment Technique (CAT). In addition, I am less surprised than is Glăveanu about the current state of our field. The same narrowing of research questions plagues every branch of the study of psychology. However, the tides may be changing. At the forefront of a reform movement are a number of creativity theorists and journal editors. My own hope is that as researchers are given license to expand their work to include a wide variety of experimental designs, methodologies and contexts, they will adopt as their core mission the promotion of the growth of creativity at the individual, group, societal and multi-cultural levels.

scholarly journals The P Factor in Children: Relationships with Executive Functions and Effortful Control

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison Shields ◽  
Kathleen Wade Reardon ◽  
Cassandra M Brandes ◽  
Jennifer L Tackett
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functions ◽  
Effortful Control ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Psychological Disorders ◽  
General Psychopathology ◽  
Large N ◽  
P Factor ◽  
Regulatory Functions ◽  
Correlated Factors

Lower levels of self-regulation have been implicated in multiple psychological disorders. Despite conceptual overlap (broadly reflecting self-regulatory functions), executive functions (EF) and effortful control (EC) are rarely jointly studied in relation to broadband psychopathology. The present study investigated associations of correlated factors (internalizing-externalizing) and bifactor psychopathology models with EF and EC in a large (N=895) childhood community sample (Mage = 11.54, SDage = 2.25). Associations between both self-regulation constructs (EF and EC) with psychopathology were largely accounted for via a general psychopathology factor. However, EC evidenced stronger associations, questioning the utility of task-based EF measures to inform self-regulatory psychopathology.

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