What is executive function?
When researching executive function, one will find several definitions, theories, models, and a vast amount of information on the topic. According to Watson et al. (2016), there are over 30 definitions of executive functions.
Executive functions can be described as, “an umbrella term that comprises cognitive processes directly related to the successful negotiation of both educational and life related tasks” and “encompass the ability to be mentally and behaviorally flexible, as well as make use of problem solving skills that assist in goal attainment” (Watson et al., 2016, p. 1).
Overall, executive function is an individual’s ability to process, learn, and solve problems across different areas including planning, organization, task initiation, time management, goal setting, sustained attention, metacognition, flexibility, emotional regulation, and impulse control (Meltzer, 2018; Watson et al., 2016; Zelazo et al., 2016).
Although there is some variation in how they are labeled, throughout the research, there is a note of three core executive functions; working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility (Zelazo et al., 2016, p. 2).
- Working memory is the ability to retain and manipulate information
- Inhibitory control is “the process of deliberately suppressing attention (and subsequent responding) to something” (Zelazo et al, 2016, p. 3)
- Cognitive flexibility is the ability to think about something from different perspectives
Executive Function 