Examination of Executive Functions

Many studies of EFs have been performed with functional neuroimaging techniques. In most of these studies, the cognitive reduction method has been used to infer specific brain regions with EFs. This method is done by comparing the brain areas active in EFs by comparing the performance of individuals in performing an EFs task with those of the control group.By measuring the activation patterns of brain regions in EFs and non-executive tasks, it is believed that the specific activation patterns of executive tasks are indicative of brain regions that are specifically involved in EFs. These studies showed that common areas provide the same measure of several functions related to EFs. Jorado and Rosselli (2007) provided a review of brain correlates of EFs using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and MRI. The results showed that studies related to strategic planning ability using the Tower of London test showed increased activity in the DLPFC, CC, angular gyrus (SMG) and right and left PFC region. In addition, various studies have reported that attentional control measured by the Hayling, Stroop, and Wisconsin Card Sorting Tests is related to increased activity.