Definition
Executive functions refer to the array of cognitive processes that control and monitor specific cognitive capacities and behaviors. Located in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), executive functions are the processes that make the human brain a unique, organized, and sophisticated structure.
Description
There is no global or overarching definition of executive functions due to the abstract and complex nature of the term. In addition, it can be difficult to directly measure executive functions since their role is to maintain more basic cognitive and behavioral skills, and they cannot be tied to any one measurable skill. Historically, most of the empirical information gained regarding executive functions has been obtained after traumatic and acquired brain injuries or brain lesions to the PFC, and the deficits that have resulted from that damage [15]. However, with the advent of various...
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Avirett, E.K., Maricle, D.E. (2011). Executive Function. In: Goldstein, S., Naglieri, J.A. (eds) Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9_1047
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9_1047
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