Question

Explain how small executive functions (updating, flexibility, and inhibition) contributes/influences large executive function (reasoning, problem-solving, planning)?

Answer 1

Answer: The higher level executive functions like reasoning, planning and problem solving are a result of smaller executive functions like updating, inhibition and flexibility. The higher level executive functions are formed from a number of small elementary functions. For example updating one’s knowledge helps in understanding a problem from new perspectives and also helps in logical and better informed reasoning and for creating and updating plans as per the changing conditions. Similarly flexibility is required for solving a problem and also for preparing plans that are flexible and can be changed as per the requirement. Similarly flexibility is also required for reasoning as it helps in considering different options that are available. Inhibition also creates caution in the executives and helps them in reasoning, planning and problem solving. Therefore the smaller executive functions often forms the base of the higher executive functions and contribute and influences them.