Cognitive flexibility
Encyclopedia
Cognitive flexibility is the term used to describe one of the executive functions
; a function which is an important component of human behavior; the ability to switch behavioral response according to the context of the situation. This ability of a person to see different aspects of an object, idea or situation and switch their "attentional set" is measured by such neuropsychological test
s as the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test
, and the Stroop test.
Research has been conducted on the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive flexibility via the use of fMRI during test subjects completing a variety of set-shifting tests. Various distinct regions of the brain from which flexibility could be predicted reliably included the prefrontal cortex
, basal ganglia
, anterior cingulate cortex
, and posterior parietal cortex
.
Diminished cognitive flexibilty has been noted in a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders such as Anorexia nervosa
and in a subset of people with ADHD.
(CRT) is a cognitive rehabilitation therapy developed at King's College in London designed to improve various neurocognitive abilities such as executive functioning including cognitive flexibility. CRT has been shown via fMRI studies to effect a physiological change in different brain regions most notably the frontal cortex. CRT has been shown to have positive effect in various disorders such as schizophrenia
, a condition in which cognitive flexibility is severely diminished. as well as in anorexia nervosa
and auditory presentation
of the information to be learned, such as seeing written text and hearing it. By observing multiple representations of the identical phenomenon the individual develops the neural pathways necessary for considering novel applications within the domain of available knowledge. The validity of CFT has been shown in neuroimaging studies utilizing PET
scans.
"For learners to develop cognitively flexible processing skills and to acquire contentive knowledge structures which can support flexible cognitive processing, flexible learning environments are required which permit the same items of knowledge to be presented and learned in a variety of different ways and for a variety of different purposes (commensurate with their complex and irregular nature)." (Spiro, 1996)
Executive functions
The executive system is a theorized cognitive system in psychology that controls and manages other cognitive processes. It is responsible for processes that are sometimes referred to as the executive function, executive functions, supervisory attentional system, or cognitive control...
; a function which is an important component of human behavior; the ability to switch behavioral response according to the context of the situation. This ability of a person to see different aspects of an object, idea or situation and switch their "attentional set" is measured by such neuropsychological test
Neuropsychological test
Neuropsychological tests are specifically designed tasks used to measure a psychological function known to be linked to a particular brain structure or pathway. Tests are used for research into brain function and in a clinical setting for the diagnosis of deficits. They usually involve the...
s as the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test
Wisconsin card sort
The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test is a neuropsychological test of "set-shifting", i.e. the ability to display flexibility in the face of changing schedules of reinforcement. The WCST was written by David A. Grant and Esta A. Berg. The Professional Manual for the WCST was written by Robert K. Heaton,...
, and the Stroop test.
Research has been conducted on the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive flexibility via the use of fMRI during test subjects completing a variety of set-shifting tests. Various distinct regions of the brain from which flexibility could be predicted reliably included the prefrontal cortex
Prefrontal cortex
The prefrontal cortex is the anterior part of the frontal lobes of the brain, lying in front of the motor and premotor areas.This brain region has been implicated in planning complex cognitive behaviors, personality expression, decision making and moderating correct social behavior...
, basal ganglia
Basal ganglia
The basal ganglia are a group of nuclei of varied origin in the brains of vertebrates that act as a cohesive functional unit. They are situated at the base of the forebrain and are strongly connected with the cerebral cortex, thalamus and other brain areas...
, anterior cingulate cortex
Anterior cingulate cortex
The anterior cingulate cortex is the frontal part of the cingulate cortex, that resembles a "collar" form around the corpus callosum, the fibrous bundle that relays neural signals between the right and left cerebral hemispheres of the brain...
, and posterior parietal cortex
Posterior parietal cortex
The posterior parietal cortex plays an important role in producing planned movements. Before an effective movement can be initiated, the nervous system must know the original positions of the body parts that are to be moved, and the positions of any external objects with which the body is going to...
.
Diminished cognitive flexibilty has been noted in a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders such as Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by refusal to maintain a healthy body weight and an obsessive fear of gaining weight. Although commonly called "anorexia", that term on its own denotes any symptomatic loss of appetite and is not strictly accurate...
and in a subset of people with ADHD.
Cognitive Remediation Therapy
Cognitive Remediation TherapyCognitive Remediation Therapy
Cognitive Remediation Therapy is a cognitive rehabilitation therapy developed at King's College in London designed to improve neurocognitive abilities such as attention, working memory, cognitive flexibility and planning, and executive functioning which leads to improved social functioning.CRT...
(CRT) is a cognitive rehabilitation therapy developed at King's College in London designed to improve various neurocognitive abilities such as executive functioning including cognitive flexibility. CRT has been shown via fMRI studies to effect a physiological change in different brain regions most notably the frontal cortex. CRT has been shown to have positive effect in various disorders such as schizophrenia
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by a disintegration of thought processes and of emotional responsiveness. It most commonly manifests itself as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions, or disorganized speech and thinking, and it is accompanied by significant social...
, a condition in which cognitive flexibility is severely diminished. as well as in anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by refusal to maintain a healthy body weight and an obsessive fear of gaining weight. Although commonly called "anorexia", that term on its own denotes any symptomatic loss of appetite and is not strictly accurate...
Cognitive flexibility theory
Cognitive flexibility theory (CFT) proposes that individuals learn and grasp the nature of complex information more readily by being presented with multiple representations of the same information in varying contexts, e.g. the visualVisual perception
Visual perception is the ability to interpret information and surroundings from the effects of visible light reaching the eye. The resulting perception is also known as eyesight, sight, or vision...
and auditory presentation
Auditory system
The auditory system is the sensory system for the sense of hearing.- Outer ear :The folds of cartilage surrounding the ear canal are called the pinna...
of the information to be learned, such as seeing written text and hearing it. By observing multiple representations of the identical phenomenon the individual develops the neural pathways necessary for considering novel applications within the domain of available knowledge. The validity of CFT has been shown in neuroimaging studies utilizing PET
Positron emission tomography
Positron emission tomography is nuclear medicine imaging technique that produces a three-dimensional image or picture of functional processes in the body. The system detects pairs of gamma rays emitted indirectly by a positron-emitting radionuclide , which is introduced into the body on a...
scans.
Cognitive flexibility hypertext
Cognitive flexibility hypertext (CFH) is a multimodal learning environment that was designed according to cognitive flexibility theory. CFH is based upon two basic premises (Spiro, 1996);- That the majority of knowledge to be taught is complex and ill-structured
- Effective teaching remains a problem
"For learners to develop cognitively flexible processing skills and to acquire contentive knowledge structures which can support flexible cognitive processing, flexible learning environments are required which permit the same items of knowledge to be presented and learned in a variety of different ways and for a variety of different purposes (commensurate with their complex and irregular nature)." (Spiro, 1996)