An Adaptable, Open-Access Test Battery to Study the Fractionation of Executive-Functions in Diverse Populations

The umbrella-term ‘executive functions’ (EF) includes various domain-general, goal-directed cognitive abilities responsible for behavioral self-regulation. influential unity and diversity model of EF posits the existence three correlated yet separable executive domains: inhibition, shifting updating. These domains may be influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status (SES) culture, possibly due to way tasks are devised biased choice stimuli, focusing on first-world testees. Here, we propose a FREE (Free Research Executive Function Evaluation) test battery that two open-access each abovementioned allow latent variables obtained. were selected from those have been shown representative domain, not copyrighted do require special hardware/software administered. adapted use in populations with varying SES/schooling levels simplifying tasks/instructions using easily recognized stimuli pictures. Items answered verbally self-paced minimize interference individual differences psychomotor perceptual speed, better isolate other abilities. We tested these 146 early adolescents (aged 9–15 years) both sexes SES, because this is age group which interest become distinguishable order confirm SES effects minimized. Performance was determined Rate Correct Scores (correct answers divided total time taken complete blocks/trial), consider speed-accuracy trade-offs. sensitive expected improvement performance rarely/inconsistently affected sex expected, no floor or ceiling effects, skewed distribution, thus suggesting their adequacy diverse respects. Using structural equation modeling, evidence based internal structure obtained replicating correlated-factor solution proposed authors model. conclude battery, open access described detail, holds promise tool research can wide range populations, well altered and/or complemented coming studies.