scholarly journals In Search of the Executive Cognitive Processes Proposed by Process-Overlap Theory

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 43
Author(s):  
Gidon T. Frischkorn ◽  
Claudia C. von Bastian
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Fluid Intelligence ◽  
General Factor ◽  
Executive Processes ◽  
Domain Specific ◽  
Executive Processing ◽  
Intelligence Measures ◽  
Similar Domain

Process-Overlap Theory (POT) suggests that measures of cognitive abilities sample from sets of independent cognitive processes. These cognitive processes can be separated into domain-general executive processes, sampled by the majority of cognitive ability measures, and domain-specific processes, sampled only by measures within a certain domain. According to POT, fluid intelligence measures are related because different tests sample similar domain-general executive cognitive processes to some extent. Re-analyzing data from a study by De Simoni and von Bastian (2018), we assessed domain-general variance from executive processing tasks measuring inhibition, shifting, and efficiency of removal from working memory, as well as examined their relation to a domain-general factor extracted from fluid intelligence measures. The results showed that domain-general factors reflecting general processing speed were moderately and negatively correlated with the domain-general fluid intelligence factor (r = −.17–−.36). However, domain-general factors isolating variance specific to inhibition, shifting, and removal showed only small and inconsistent correlations with the domain-general fluid intelligence factor (r = .02–−.22). These findings suggest that (1) executive processing tasks sample only few domain-general executive processes also sampled by fluid intelligence measures, as well as (2) that domain-general speed of processing contributes more strongly to individual differences in fluid intelligence than do domain-general executive processes.

scholarly journals Intra-individual variation in performance on novel variants of similar tasks influences single factor explanations of general cognitive processes

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (7) ◽  
pp. 171919 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayden O. van Horik ◽  
Ellis J. G. Langley ◽  
Mark A. Whiteside ◽  
Philippa R. Laker ◽  
Joah R. Madden
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Individual Variation ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Principal Axis ◽  
Single Factor ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Domain Specific ◽  
Novel Variants ◽  
Principal Axis Factor Analysis ◽  
Individual Consistency

Intra-individual variation in performance within and across cognitive domains may confound interpretations of both domain-general and domain-specific abilities. Such variation is rarely considered in animal test batteries. We investigate individual consistency in performance by presenting pheasant chicks ( n  = 31), raised under standardized conditions, with nine different cognitive tasks. Among these tasks were two replicated novel variants of colour learning and colour reversal problems, tests of positional learning and memory, as well as two different tasks that captured multiple putative measures of inhibitory control and motor-related performance. These task variants were also used to compare subjects' performance on alternative test batteries comprised of different task combinations. Subjects’ performance improved with experience, yet we found relatively little consistency in their performance, both within similar tasks using different paradigms and across different tasks. Parallel analysis revealed non-significant factors when all nine tasks were included in a principal axis factor analysis. However, when different combinations of six of the nine tasks were included in principal axis factoring, 14 of 84 combinations revealed significant main factors, explaining between 28 and 35% of the variance in task performance. While comparable findings have been suggested to reflect domain-general intelligence in other species, we found no evidence to suggest that a single factor encompassed a diverse range of cognitive abilities in pheasants. Instead, we reveal how single factor explanations of cognitive processes can be influenced by test battery composition and intra-individual variation in performance across tasks. Our findings highlight the importance of conducting multiple tests within specific domains to ensure robust cognitive measures are obtained.

scholarly journals Predictive Value of Traditional Measures of Executive Function on Broad Abilities of the Cattell–Horn–Carroll Theory of Cognitive Abilities

Assessment ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 1375-1385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loes van Aken ◽  
Paul T. van der Heijden ◽  
Wouter Oomens ◽  
Roy P. C. Kessels ◽  
Jos I. M. Egger
Keyword(s):  
Visual Processing ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Fluid Intelligence ◽  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Multivariate Regression Analysis ◽  
Intelligence Tests ◽  
Chc Theory ◽  
Executive Processes ◽  
Predicting Performance

The neuropsychological construct of executive functions (EFs), and the psychometric Cattell–Horn–Carroll (CHC) theory of cognitive abilities are both approaches that attempt to describe cognitive functioning. The coherence between EF and CHC abilities has been mainly studied using factor-analytical techniques. Through multivariate regression analysis, the current study now assesses the integration of these latent constructs in clinical assessment. The predictive power of six widely used executive tasks on five CHC measures (crystallized and fluid intelligence, visual processing, short-term memory, and processing speed) is examined. Results indicate that executive tasks—except for the Stroop and the Tower of London—predict overall performance on the intelligence tests. Differentiation in predicting performance between the CHC abilities is limited, due to a high shared variance between these abilities. It is concluded that executive processes such as planning and inhibition have a unique variance that is not well-represented in intelligence tests. Implications for the use of EF tests and operationalization of CHC measures in clinical practice are discussed.

scholarly journals Differential and Experimental Approaches to Studying Intelligence in Humans and Non-Human Animals

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander P. Burgoyne ◽  
Jason S. Tsukahara ◽  
Christopher Draheim ◽  
Randall W Engle
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Fluid Intelligence ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Attention Control ◽  
Cognitive Tasks ◽  
General Factor ◽  
Albino Rat ◽  
General Ability

Why do some individuals learn more quickly than others, or perform better in complex cognitive tasks? In this article, we describe how differential and experimental research methods can be used to study intelligence in humans and non-human animals. More than one hundred years ago, Spearman (1904) discovered a general factor underpinning performance across cognitive domains in humans. Shortly thereafter, Thorndike (1935) discovered positive correlations between cognitive performance measures in the albino rat. Today, research continues to shed light on the underpinnings of the positive manifold observed among ability measures. In this review, we focus on the relationship between cognitive performance and attention control: the domain-general ability to maintain focus on task-relevant information while preventing attentional capture by task-irrelevant thoughts and events. Recent work from our lab has revealed that individual differences in attention control can largely explain the positive associations between broad cognitive abilities such as working memory capacity and fluid intelligence. In research on mice, attention control has been closely linked to a general ability factor reflecting route learning and problem solving. Taken together, both lines of research suggest that individual differences in attention control underpin performance in a variety of complex cognitive tasks, helping to explain why measures of cognitive ability correlate positively. Efforts to find confirmatory and disconfirmatory evidence across species stands to improve not only our understanding of attention control, but cognition in general.

scholarly journals Predicting Academic Achievement with Cognitive Abilities: Cross-Sectional Study across School Education

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 158
Author(s):  
Tatiana Tikhomirova ◽  
Artem Malykh ◽  
Sergey Malykh
Keyword(s):  
Academic Achievement ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Fluid Intelligence ◽  
Number Sense ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Relationship

The relationship between cognitive abilities and academic achievement across schooling from the first to the eleventh grade was analyzed. Information processing speed, visuospatial working memory, number sense, and fluid intelligence were considered predictors of general academic achievement, which was derived from grades in mathematics, language, and biology. This cross-sectional study involved 1560 pupils who were in grades 1–11 at general education schools and were aged from 6.8 to 19.1 years (50.4% were boys). Information processing speed, visuospatial working memory, and number sense were measured using the Choice Reaction Time, Corsi Block-Tapping, and Number Sense computerized tests, respectively. Fluid intelligence was measured using the paper-and-pencil version of the Standard Progressive Matrices test. Correlation analysis and structural equation modeling were carried out. It was shown that it is possible to describe the structure of the relationship between cognitive abilities and academic achievement for all levels of schooling with a single model. In this model, information processing speed is the key predictor of fluid intelligence, working memory, and number sense, which in turn contribute to individual differences in academic success. Additionally, the specificity of the relationship between individual indicators of cognitive abilities and academic achievement at each level of schooling was revealed.

scholarly journals BAT-7, BATERÍA DE APTITUDES DE TEA: DESCRIPCIÓN Y DATOS PSICOMÉTRICOS

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 353
Author(s):  
Fernando Sánchez Sánchez ◽  
David Arribas Águila
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Fluid Intelligence ◽  
Model Fitting ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Educational Background ◽  
General Factor ◽  
Chc Theory ◽  
Crystallized Intelligence ◽  
General Ability ◽  
Factor G

Abstract:BAT-7, TEA ABILITIES BATTERY: DESCRIPTION AND PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIESBAT-7 is a new psychometric tool for assessing three intellectual domains, general factor (g), fluid intelligence (Gf) and crystallized intelligence (Gc), and eight cognitive abilities: Verbal (V), Spatial (E), Attention (A) and Concentration (CON), Reasoning (R), Numerical (N), Mechanical (M) and Orthography (O). It consists of three forms of increasing difficulty (E, M and S) and it is focused on the assessment of school and college students, as well as adults with different educational background. The present study aims to provide a description of the BAT-7 development and the main features of it, and a summary of its psychometric properties, mainly its reliability and validity. BAT-7 was administered to a Spanish standardization sample of 4,263 students (age between 12 and 18) and 1,507 adults. Reliability was studied with ordinal alpha, Cronbach’s alpha and tests information functions. Validity was explored by multigroup CFA. 3P IRT model showed a statistical fit for all items. Ordinal alpha ranged from .79 to .91 for test scores and from .91 to .97 for composite scores. The model based on CHC theory showed a good fit to the observed data (RMSEA=.034; SRMR=.026; CFI=.981). The results, in terms of TRI model fitting, reliability and validity, suggest that the BAT-7 is a useful, flexible and highly reliable test for assessing the cognitive abilities, and provide evidences supporting the use of the battery for the assessment of intellectual abilities in children and adults. An estimate of general ability (g), fluid intelligence (Gf) and crystallized intelligence (Gc) also can be obtained by applying the BAT-7.Keywords: Intelligence, cognitive abilities, assessment, g factor.Resumen:El BAT-7 es una nueva batería que permite estimar la inteligencia (factor general, g; inteligencia fluida, Gf; e inteligencia cristalizada, Gc) y evaluar 8 aptitudes cognitivas: razonamiento verbal (V), de razonamiento espacial (E), atención (A) y Concentración (Con), razonamiento abstracto (R), razonamiento numérico (N), razonamiento mecánico (M) y ortografía (O). Se compone de tres formas o niveles de dificultad creciente (Elemental, Medio y Superior) y está diseñada para la evaluación intelectual colectiva e individual de los estudiantes de E. Secundaria y universitarios, así como adultos con diferentes niveles educativos. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo ofrecer una descripción del desarrollo de la prueba y de las principales características de la misma así como un resumen de sus propiedades psicométricas, fundamentalmente de su fiabilidad y validez. La muestra de tipificación española estuvo formada por 4.263 alumnos (de 1.º de ESO hasta 2.º de Bachillerato) y 1.507 adultos de diferente nivel educativo y edad. La fiabilidad fue estudiada por medio de las funciones de información y de los coeficientes alfa de Cronbach y alfa ordinal. La validez se exploró mediante análisis factoriales confirmatorios multigrupo (ACF). Los ítems que componen cada prueba muestran un buen ajuste al modelo TRI de tres parámetros utilizado. Los valores del alfa ordinal variaron de 0,79 hasta 0,91 para las puntuaciones de la prueba y 0,91-0,97 para las puntuaciones compuestas o índices. El modelo factorial basado en la teoría CHC mostró un buen ajuste a los datos observados (RMSEA = 0,034 ; SRMR = 0,026 ; CFI = 0,981). Los resultados obtenidos en términos de ajuste al modelo de TRI, fiabilidad y validez indican que el BAT-7 es una medida útil, flexible y altamente fiable para la evaluación de las aptitudes cognitivas y aportan evidencias que apoyan el uso de la batería para la evaluación de las aptitudes intelectuales en escolares y adultos. Igualmente, mediante su aplicación puede obtenerse una estimación de la capacidad general (g), de la inteligencia fluida (Gf) y de la inteligencia cristalizada (Gc).Palabras clave: Inteligencia, aptitudes intelectuales, evaluación, factor g.

Intelligence and Specific Cognitive Abilities in Children

2009 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 209-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carin M. Tillman ◽  
Gunilla Bohlin ◽  
Lin Sörensen ◽  
Astri J. Lundervold
Keyword(s):  
Processing Speed ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Psychiatric Diagnosis ◽  
Fluid Intelligence ◽  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Interference Control ◽  
Crystallized Intelligence ◽  
Independent Features

This community-based study investigated the relationships between measures of specific cognitive functions (such as working memory [WM] and interference control) and intelligence in 283 8- to 11-year-old children, including 124 children who fulfilled criteria for a psychiatric diagnosis. A hierarchical regression analysis was used to overcome issues of overlapping predictor constructs. The results generally showed that measures of processing speed, WM, as well as inhibitory interference control entered in the order of presentation, each contributed uniquely to the explanation of fluid intelligence performance. The results for crystallized intelligence performance generally showed that the measures of processing speed, short-term memory (STM), WM, and sustained attention – entered in that order – made significant independent contributions. While effect sizes varied somewhat for contributions in the whole sample compared with the subgroup not meeting criteria for a psychiatric diagnosis, there were no significant differences. The findings therefore should be broadly representative in indicating that the unique aspects of these cognitive functions are important in the explanation of intelligence. The findings also demonstrate important independent features of the functions used as predictors.

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AND COGNITIVE ABILITIES IN PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

2021 ◽  
pp. 51-64
Author(s):  
Olga S. Alekseeva ◽  
◽  
Irina E. Rzhanova ◽  
Viktoriya S. Britova ◽  
Yulia A. Burdukova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Fluid Intelligence ◽  
Intelligence Scale ◽  
Term Memory ◽  
Assessment Battery ◽  
Verbal Comprehension ◽  
The Impact

The study of the relationship between school performance and cognitive abilities was conducted. Cognitive abilities were assessed by using The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Fifth Edition (WISC–V) and The Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children Second Edition (KABC–II). There are lots of works which show the existence of strong correlations between IQ and school marks. However, various studies demonstrate different results about correlations between academic performance in humanitarian sciences, physics and mathematics and verbal and spatial abilities. It should be considered that Russian researchers use outdated version of The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children to diagnose intelligence in most cases. This version contains only three scales: verbal intelligence, nonverbal intelligence and IQ. Considering this fact, evaluation of the impact of particular cognitive characteristics on academic performance become more difficult. The latest versions of The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children and The Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children were used in the present study. They contain next scales: verbal comprehension, visual-spatial index, short-term memory, long-term memory, working memory, processing speed, fluid intelligence. School marks in Russian language, mathematics, literature, English language and science were chosen to evaluate academic performance. 55 students of primary school took part in the study. It was found that data given by using the WISC–V had more correlations with school marks than data given by using the KABC–II. Main predictors of academic performance in almost all disciplines were verbal comprehension, processing speed and fluid intelligence.

scholarly journals Processing Speed, Working Memory, and Executive Functions: Independent or inter-related predictors of general intelligence

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gidon T. Frischkorn ◽  
Anna-Lena Schubert ◽  
Dirk Hagemann
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Predictive Power ◽  
Working Memory Capacity ◽  
Order Processing ◽  
Executive Processing ◽  
Processing Demands

Both working memory capacity (WMC) and processing speed (PS) have been discussed as important covariates of individual differences in intelligence. Recent results indicated that especially latencies of ERP components associated with higher-order processing (P2, N2, and P3) may share up to 80% of variance with individual differences in intelligence. WMC has a similar predictive power and thus these two processes cannot explain individual differences in intelligence independently. The current study explores in how far individual differences in executive functions (EFs) may bridge the gap between WMC and PS as predictors of intelligence. We recruited 101 participants who completed three EF tasks – one for each of the three executive functions shifting, updating, and inhibition. Additionally, we assessed participants’ intelligence, WMC, and PS. Results showed that only variance of behavioral RTs consistent across manipulations in the EF tasks was related to WMC, PS, and intelligence. The variance specific to the manipulations in EF tasks was small and showed no consistent correlations with each other or with any of the three covariates. These results suggest that EF tasks capture mostly manipulation-unspecific cognitive processes. Hence, individual differences in the impairment due to additional executive processing demands cannot explain why WMC and PS are related predictors of individual differences in intelligence.

Differential Effects of Executive Processes on Working Memory

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 239-249
Author(s):  
Xuezhu Ren ◽  
Tengfei Wang ◽  
Karl Schweizer ◽  
Jing Guo
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Latent Variable ◽  
Working Memory Capacity ◽  
Memory Capacity ◽  
Attention Control ◽  
Executive Processes ◽  
Differential Effects ◽  
Prepotent Response ◽  
Two Measures

Abstract. Although attention control accounts for a unique portion of the variance in working memory capacity (WMC), the way in which attention control contributes to WMC has not been thoroughly specified. The current work focused on fractionating attention control into distinctly different executive processes and examined to what extent key processes of attention control including updating, shifting, and prepotent response inhibition were related to WMC and whether these relations were different. A number of 216 university students completed experimental tasks of attention control and two measures of WMC. Latent variable analyses were employed for separating and modeling each process and their effects on WMC. The results showed that both the accuracy of updating and shifting were substantially related to WMC while the link from the accuracy of inhibition to WMC was insignificant; on the other hand, only the speed of shifting had a moderate effect on WMC while neither the speed of updating nor the speed of inhibition showed significant effect on WMC. The results suggest that these key processes of attention control exhibit differential effects on individual differences in WMC. The approach that combined experimental manipulations and statistical modeling constitutes a promising way of investigating cognitive processes.

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