论执行功能及其发展研究

On the Developmental Researches of Executive Function

执行功能(executive function,EF)是一个还没有明确定义的概念,但又是一个重要的概念,通常是指个体对思想和行动进行有意识控制的心理过程。目前的主要观点包括神经心理学观点、抑制控制理论、高级认知能力理论(包括工作记忆理论、抑制及工作记忆理论)和认知复杂性和控制理论。主要的研究任务类型包括卡片分类任务、延迟反应任务、基于Stroop任务的冲突反应模式任务、心理理论任务、问题解决任务、“热”执行功能任务等。未来的研究应着重弄清执行功能的本质,结合认知神经科学阐明其与脑神经结构和功能的关系,并从区分“冷”执行功能和“热”执行功能的角度,探讨以情感激活为特点的“热认知”在执行功能中的作用。

Executive function (EF) is an ill-defined but important construct that refers generally to the psychological processes involved in the conscious control of thought and action. At present the main theories of EF include neuropsychological perspective, inhibitory control, the higher-order cognitive ability theory (including working memory theory and inhibition and working memory theory), and the cognitive complexity and control theory. The main types of tasks that have been used to research EF include card sorting tests, delayed-response tasks, conflicting response pattern tasks based on Stroop, theory-of-mind tasks, problem-solving tasks, and 'hot' EF tasks, etc. Future researches about EF should highlight the nature of EF, illustrate the relation between EF and neural structure and function in combination with cognitive neuroscience, and discuss the role of 'hot cognition' which is characterized by high affective involvement on the basis of distinguishing between 'cool' EF and 'hot' EF.