TY - JOUR
T1 - Executive function
T2 - Reflection, iterative reprocessing, complexity, and the developing brain
AU - Zelazo, Philip David
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2015 Published by Elsevier Inc.
PY - 2015
Y1 - 2015
N2 - Key executive function (EF) skills (cognitive flexibility, working memory, inhibitory control) are essential for goal-directed problem solving and reflective learning. This article describes executive function (EF) and its development from the perspective of the Iterative Reprocessing (IR) model. According to this model, reflection, or the reflective reprocessing of information prior to responding, provides a foundation for the control of attention - flexibly, over time, and selectively (i.e., cognitive flexibility, working memory, and inhibitory control). This goal-directed modulation of attention is typically verbally mediated and involves the formulation and maintenance in working memory of explicit action-oriented rules. The development of EF is made possible, in part, by increases in the efficiency of reflective reprocessing which allow for increases in the hierarchical complexity of the rules that can be used to characterize problems and select context-appropriate rules for responding. Research designed to test the model indicates that a brief intervention targeting reflection and rule use leads to improved EF and theory of mind, and produces corresponding changes in neural function.
AB - Key executive function (EF) skills (cognitive flexibility, working memory, inhibitory control) are essential for goal-directed problem solving and reflective learning. This article describes executive function (EF) and its development from the perspective of the Iterative Reprocessing (IR) model. According to this model, reflection, or the reflective reprocessing of information prior to responding, provides a foundation for the control of attention - flexibly, over time, and selectively (i.e., cognitive flexibility, working memory, and inhibitory control). This goal-directed modulation of attention is typically verbally mediated and involves the formulation and maintenance in working memory of explicit action-oriented rules. The development of EF is made possible, in part, by increases in the efficiency of reflective reprocessing which allow for increases in the hierarchical complexity of the rules that can be used to characterize problems and select context-appropriate rules for responding. Research designed to test the model indicates that a brief intervention targeting reflection and rule use leads to improved EF and theory of mind, and produces corresponding changes in neural function.
KW - Complexity
KW - Intervention
KW - Iterative Reprocessing (IR) model
KW - Neuroplasticity
KW - Reflection
KW - Rule use
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U2 - 10.1016/j.dr.2015.07.001
DO - 10.1016/j.dr.2015.07.001
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84945567003
SN - 0273-2297
VL - 38
SP - 55
EP - 68
JO - Developmental Review
JF - Developmental Review
ER -