Executive Function and Higher-Order Cognition: Computational Models

Executive processes in the brain serve to coordinate and regulate the flow of information processing toward the achievement of higher level goals. Computational models of executive function provide concrete, quantitative descriptions of executive functions in terms of core mechanisms while providing a firm basis for explanation and prediction of empirical data. Executive function can be divided roughly into two interacting components: control and monitoring. Control mechanisms maintain goal information in the face of interference and use such information to guide behavior toward attaining a goal state. Monitoring mechanisms evaluate the ongoing success or failure of the current behavior toward attaining the goal and may update the control signals accordingly. Computational models of executive function are typically implemented as either neural networks or production systems.