Executive function (EF), the set of cognitive processes that govern goal-directed behavior, varies within developmental samples and clinical populations. Here, we perform a conceptual replication of prior work (Dajani et al. in Sci Rep 6:36566, 2016) in an independent sample of typically developing children (n = 183) and children with autism…

Extensive research has established that successful learning from an example is conditional on an important learning activity: self-explanation. Moreover, a model for learning from examples suggests that self-explanation quality mediates effects of examples on learning outcomes (Atkinson et al. in Rev Educ Res 70:181-214, 2000). We investigated…

Executive functioning (EF) is an overarching term that encompasses a wide range of neuropsychological processes including inhibition, set shifting, cognitive flexibility, organization, planning, self-monitoring, working memory, following rules, emotional control, and self-regulation that enable physical, cognitive, and emotional self-control.…

The study tested whether deficits in executive function are associated with adolescent risky behavior engagement. At baseline, adolescents (n = 102) aged 12 to 19 years were administered a performance-based measure of executive function and self-report measure of broad-based risky behavior engagement. Additionally, a teacher report for each…

How might we shift language about executive functions and self-regulation for minoritized children and families to be more culturally sensitive? The objective of this essay is to offer a culturally responsive perspective on executive functions for minoritized children and their families, while also identifying myths and counterarguments to advance…

The present study evaluated the hypothesis that the strength of the relationship between executive function (EF) and repetitive behaviors and restricted interests (RBRI) symptomatology is moderated by the degree to which concurrent demands are placed on multiple aspects of EF. An eye movement task was used to evaluate inhibition and task switching…

Background: The present study investigated decision-making in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) using the Soochow Gambling Task (SGT). The objective was to assess whether adults with PWS have impaired hot executive functions and whether the deficit is specific to PWS or linked to intellectual disabilities. Method: The SGT performance of 26…

Educational interventions are frequently designed to occur during early childhood, based on the idea that earlier intervention will have greater long-term academic benefits. However, surprisingly little is known about when cognitive and academic skills are most plastic, or malleable, during development. One way to study plasticity is to ask…

Background: Accumulating evidence suggests that adolescents' moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is associated with less off-task behaviour in the classroom. However, the contribution of cognitive functions to this relation still remains unclear. Executive function and aspects of social cognition, which appear to be correlated with MVPA,…

The current study examined the feasibility of adapting an existing measure to create a brief mattering measure suitable for use with adolescents. We then evaluated this brief measure by testing the hypothesis that mattering in adolescents is associated broadly with positive achievement outcomes and associated motivational orientations and…

Background: Despite presenting higher risk of dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is not well defined in Down syndrome population. Objective: We aimed to describe cognitive and neuropsychological patterns associated with MCI in Down syndrome individuals. Method: Two groups of adults with Down syndrome (control and prodromal) were studied…

The effects of rewards on executive function (EF) reflect bidirectional interactions among motivational and executive systems that vary with age and temperament. However, methodological limitations hinder understanding of the precise influences of incentives on early EF, including the role of reward sensitivity. In this within-subjects study,…

Expectations for increased conceptual outcomes in the early childhood education sector have foregrounded a need for more evidenced-based practice in support of children's play. One such avenue for researching models of play practices that support cognitive outcomes is to study the implementation of Playworlds. Grounded in cultural-historical…

The associations of children's play behaviour to their emotional regulation, executive functioning were examined in this study. Teachers rated children's play behaviour, emotional regulation and executive functioning. The study sample comprised 127 (Mage in months = 60.685, SD = 9.563; 64 girls) Turkish children who continued formal education in…

Purpose: Responsive and dynamic aspects of father-child play are associated with behavioral and neurocognitive development in children and could represent an important contributor to executive function (EF) skills for children who are deaf and hard of hearing (DHH). This study examined associations between paternal behaviors during play and EF…