After the rise in recent decades of scientific research based on neuroimaging techniques and computational methodologies, it has been possible to establish the mechanisms of how the human mind operates when activating cognitive reasoning procedures.
In this way, today there is a great consensus on define executive functions (FFEE) as a set of processes whose ultimate purpose is to supervise the execution and determine the control of said cognitive and, therefore, behavioral activity in the individual.
Executive functions and their importance in mental processes
The so-called executive functions are located in the frontal lobes and are fundamentally involved in specific cognitive operations such as memorization, metacognition, learning and reasoning.
At a practical level, therefore, executive functions allow actions such as planning events or situations, choosing and deciding between different options, discriminating between relevant stimuli and discarding irrelevant ones, maintain sustained attention on a task, deciding what type of motor movement is appropriate at each moment, etc. All of them are included in three more general classes of functions (Tirapu-Ustárroz et al, 2008):
It seems, therefore, that Good functioning of executive functions allows for greater competence for the individual when it comes to regulating his behavior and carrying it out in an efficient manner.
Activities to train and enhance executive functions
Let’s see how these types of faculties can be trained through the implementation of simple exercises and daily activities:
1. Description of the appearance of an object or person
Numerous capacities are involved in this activity, such as the establishment of differential characteristics, elaboration of categories, structuring of linguistic discourse, vocabulary, focusing of attention on relevant details. On the other hand, alternative thinking is stimulated, since said object is valued from an objective perspective (according to its origin, material, history, current and future use), eliminating prejudices or subjective evaluations.
2. Pattern discovery
The continuation of incomplete series, for example, involves processes of deductive and inductive abstract reasoning. Thus, our mind must analyze all the physical characteristics of the available elements to find common patterns and traits in order to deduce what the next component will be. This process is fundamental for human beings since it becomes a great resource in generating expectations and making decisions both essential capacities for our psyche and our survival.
3. Generation of alternative action plans
One of the basic procedures of executive functions It is linked to mental flexibility when reflecting about day-to-day situations or events. Therefore, a practice that greatly exercises this skill is in developing various alternative explanations about the causes of the experiences that are presented to us or in considering other options other than an established initial plan.
When we generate several perspectives on a fact, we manage to adopt a more objective stance, since we resort once again to the in-depth analysis of the pros and cons of each of the options and it allows us to draw more rationally based conclusions. Thus, detailing all the steps to follow in each proposed plan also implies the implementation of processes such as abstract reasoning, the search for analogies, categorization or the creation of expectations.
Research shows how creativity becomes a central component of human intelligence. This ability can be stimulated daily simply performing a common task in a different way, altering the procedures that are automated in their execution.
An example of this would be going to work using different routes, solving a problem in an innovative way or modifying the route in the supermarket when shopping. It is said that the creative process is made up of the exploration and application phases. So, the fact of looking for alternative methodologies to resolve situations It is essential for the implementation of the first of the indicated phases.
On a biological level, this facilitates the generation of new neuronal connections and, consequently, new learning. It should be noted that automatisms and routines are forms of energy savings that our brain resorts to due to the large volume of mental activity that it must constantly process. That is can be considered as adaptive mechanisms, in principle. Even so, an excess in this style of functioning based on inertia diminishes the competence in the optimal exercise of our intellectual capacity.
5. Use of metaphors
The use of this type of resource when we communicate our ideas implies a prior process where different complex skills are combined. On the one hand, procedures must be carried out to recover the information stored in our memory related to past experiences and referring to the elements used in the metaphor. On the other hand, the establishment of analogies is activated where the similarities between the information contained in the specific message and the content of the metaphor are linked. To do this, common aspects must be analyzed, categories established and attentional capacity activated to discriminate between relevant and irrelevant information.
6. Exercise of selective and sustained attention capacity
Every novel activity requires, among other processes, the investment of a great intensity of the capacity for attention and concentration. Activities such as finding differences between stimuli received, learning a new language or playing a musical instrument, for example, involve:
Bibliographic references:
Kolb, B. & Wishaw IQ (2006) Human Neuropsychology, 5th edition. Panamericana Medical Editorial: Madrid.
Tirapu-Ustarroz, J., & Luna-Lario, P. (2008). Neuropsychology of executive functions. Handbook of Neuropsychology, 219-249.
Wujec, T. (2006). Mental Gymnastics. Planeta Editions: Madrid.
