Review of paper : Executive functions by Adele Diamond

The paper is a review article on the core functions of family of Executive Functions(EF) The
paper first introduces briefly about the EF and explains about assessment, development and
association. In understanding the EF it is essential to define in a manner that differentiates it
with other cognitive abilities like language, music etc. EF are collection of top down control
processes over the habitual instinctive behavioral pattern. EF is effortful, resource consuming
as to change our habits, and autopilot patterns, resisting temptations, and changing routine is
difficult. The core of the Executive functions are; Inhibition - Working Memory - Cognitive
Flexibility. The three functions, are intertwined, and the paper elaborately accounts it.
The following table summarises the paper in brief :

EF Development Assessment Neural correlates Types

Inhibition Stroop test Dorsolateral and 1.Attention -

To do what is Simon task ventral lateral EXECUTIVE
necessary over Flanker test prefrontal cortex ATTENTION
predisposition or Antisaccade Orbitofrontal 2.Behavior - SELF
external lure tasks pfrefrontal cortex CONTROL
Delay of 3. Thoughts -
gratification COGNITIVE
Go/No-Go task INHIBITION
Stop signal test 4. Emotions -
RESPONSE
INHIBITION

2. Working N-back task Dorsolateral pfc Verbal WM

Memory Corsi-block task Visual WM
Holding & Digit backward Different from
manipulating task STM, Selective
information that focussed attention,
no longer Closely associated
perceptually with Inhibition
present

3. Cognitive Design fluency CF helps in

flexibility Verbal & category understanding
Change of fluency novel information
perspectives Wisconsin card which requires
requires both sorting test different
inhibition and Task switching dimension,
working memory paradigm Theory of Mind,
Dimensional Empathy
change card sort
test
Pros :
1. The paper talks specifically about the core functions
2. Its neatly organised and points are well established
3. The interrelations of functions are clearly defined and clarified

Cons :
1. The paper do not consider neural structures and its intrications for all the core functions
2. The paper do not talk about the recent extensions about EF as in computational science
3. The paper do not implies about the subcomponents of the specified EFs.