Executive control of cognitive processes in task switching.

Executive control of cognitive processes in task switching.

In 4 experiments, participants alternated between different tasks or performed the same task repeatedly. The tasks for 2 of the experiments required responding to geometric objects in terms of alternative classification rules, and the tasks for the other 2 experiments required solving arithmetic problems in terms of alternative numerical operations. Performance was measured as a function of whe...

Executive control and task-switching in monkeys.

Executive control involves concentrating on one task without losing the ability to switch to a second task at will. We studied this ability in monkeys (Macaca mulatta) performing arbitrary stimulus-response mappings in a task-switching paradigm. We found relatively low switch costs but high task interference costs. This is the reverse of the typical human pattern of relatively large switch cost...

Plasticity of Executive Control through Task Switching Training in Adolescents

Research has shown that cognitive training can enhance performance in executive control tasks. The current study was designed to explore if executive control, specifically task switching, can be trained in adolescents, what particular aspects of executive control may underlie training and transfer effects, and if acute bouts of exercise directly prior to cognitive training enhance training effe...

Commentary: Task-Switching in Pigeons: Associative Learning or Executive Control?

Between-task competition and cognitive control in task switching.

Cognitive control is required to regulate interactions between brain regions to produce effective, purposeful behavior. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the nature of these interactions and the role of prefrontal cortex (PFC) in cognitive control as subjects switched between simple face and word categorization tasks. Face and word stimuli were used because previous r...