Integrating the switching, inhibition, and updating model of executive function with the Cattell—Horn—Carroll model.

Abstract

Executive function is an important concept in neuropsychological and cognitive research, and is often viewed as central to effective clinical assessment of cognition. However, the construct validity of executive function tests is controversial. The switching, inhibition, and updating model is the most empirically supported and replicated factor model of executive function (Miyake et al., 2000). To evaluate the relation between executive function constructs and nonexplicitly executive cognitive constructs, we used confirmatory factor reanalysis guided by the comprehensive Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) model of cognitive abilities. Data from 7 of the best studies supporting the executive function model were reanalyzed, contrasting executive function models and CHC models. Where possible, we examined the effect of specifying executive function factors in addition to the CHC factors. The results suggested that little evidence is available to support updating as a separate factor from general memory factors; that inhibition does not separate from general speed; and that switching is supported as a narrow factor under general speed, but with a more restricted definition than some clinicians and researchers have conceptualized. The replicated executive function factor structure was integrated with the larger body of research on individual difference in cognition, as represented by the CHC model.

Shifting between mental sets: An individual differences approach to commonalities and differences of task switching components.

“…Furthermore, such an approach could help determining which aspects of shifting constitute it as an ability separable from other abilities, and which components are inseparable from general speed (cf. Jewsbury, Bowden, & Strauss, 2016).…”

Changing relations among cognitive abilities across development: implications for measurement and research

“…Despite the strong connections between the conceptualizations of intelligence and EF constructs, the heterogeneity of the skills required for both and the diversity of the performancebased tasks have maintained the debate over the exact aspects of EF that are actually measured by intelligence tests (Ardila, Pineda, & Rosselli, 2000;Friedman et al, 2006). The separation of the cognitive from the neuropsychology literature has also contributed to the separation of these constructs (Jewsbury, et al, 2015). Associations have been reported among various EF measures and intelligence indices (e.g., Arffa, 2007;Brydges et al, 2012).…”

“…Set shifting is necessary for multitasking and for processing and managing several sources of information. It is usually measured by tests requiring switching between two timed tasks (Jewsbury et al, 2015). Miyake et al's (2000) work with undergraduate student participants identified these three core separate, yet related, processes of EF: inhibition, set shifting, and updating.…”

“…The dimensional structure of EF processes underlying performance on functional tasks, however, has received considerable attention in young adult and adult samples and more recently in children, with a focus on inhibition, updating, and set shifting (Miyake, Friedman, Emerson, Witzki, & Howerter, 2000) Inhibition or inhibitory control refers to the ability to control attention, thought, and behaviour in the presence of interfering internal or external stimuli, to overcome automatic impulses and respond appropriately so that with increasing inhibitory control, one is able to better restrict and regulate impulsive behaviours (Diamond, 2013;Miyake et al, 2000). Updating and monitoring of working memory representations, or simply updating, is a working memory operation that requires replacing old information with new information relevant to the task at hand (Jewsbury, Bowden, & Strauss, 2015). The hallmark of updating is the active manipulation, rather than passive storage, of information (Miyake et al, 2000) in the multicomponent system of working memory that is needed to hold out-of-sight information in mind, manipulate it, and work with it to achieve goals and meet task demands (Baddeley & Hitch, 1994;Baddeley, 2000;Engle, Tuholsko, Laughlin, & Conway, 1999).…”

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

“…Recently, Miyake's widely used classification of executive functions that highlights three major processes, that is, switching, inhibition, and updating (Miyake et al, 2000), has been studied in terms of CHC theory. Using confirmatory factor analysis, Jewsbury, Bowden, and Strauss (2015) found that switching could be classified as a narrow factor under Gs, inhibition was entirely explained by Gs, and updating best fitted on the Gsm factor.…”