Same, same but different? A multi-method review of the processes underlying executive control.

Abstract

Attention, working memory, and executive control are commonly considered distinct cognitive functions with important reciprocal interactions. Lesion studies pioneered by Donald Stuss have demonstrated both overlap and dissociation in their behavioral expression and anatomical underpinnings. Here, we provide an overview of cognitive models as well as recent data from lesion studies and both invasive and noninvasive multimodal neuroimaging and brain stimulation, in order to provide an updated perspective on the relationship between attention, working memory, and executive control. Specifically, we address the functional and anatomical correspondence between these processes, toward the goal of identifying whether a lower dimensional theoretical framework should be employed to understand executive control (Karolis et al., 2019). We conclude by emphasizing that one avenue for moving the field, pioneered by Donald Stuss, forward consists of studying this low-dimensional space with a multi-method approach to identify converging evidence regarding the interaction between subfunctions, allowing to construct a model of executive control as the emergent consequence of efficient implementation of these processes.

The Control of Movements via Motor Gamma Oscillations

“…A key question in cognitive neuroscience has been how cognitive control is carried out in the brain. Distinct lines of research have emphasized the idea that cognitive control, and more generally, executive functions, are commanded by the PFC ( Toba et al, 2020 ). In this line, electrophysiological evidence shows that these prefrontal operations involve theta ( Cohen et al, 2008 ; Nigbur et al, 2011 ; Gulbinaite et al, 2014 ) and gamma ( Jensen et al, 2007 ; Roux et al, 2012 ) oscillatory responses.…”

Alignment of Consumers’ Expected Brain Benefits from Food and Supplements with Measurable Cognitive Performance Tests

“…For example, task-based measures designed to measure the same latent concepts such as the Stroop test (Stroop, 1935) and the flanker task (Eriksen & Eriksen, 1974) (both tests of focused attentional -specifically attentional inhibition), often do not correlate, thus contradicting unified concepts of inhibition [62]. As there are various models of human cognition, each with different degrees of granularity [63], there is no objective reality with which to compare our consumer taxonomy and assess their level of understanding. Nonetheless, it is likely that consumers lack the detailed knowledge necessary to properly evaluate the cognitive health benefits of nutritional products.…”

Toward a Computational Neuropsychology of Cognitive Flexibility

“…Maintaining goal-directed behavior in the face of novel situations is a fundamental requirement for everyday life. The processes that enable individuals to maintain goal-directedness are subsumed under the term executive control (also called executive function or cognitive control) [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Impaired executive control is a well-documented corollary of various neurological diseases as well as an important predictor of disease progression [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ].…”