Reasoning: ability to compare results, draw inferences and establish abstract relationships.Planning: ability to generate goals, develop action plans to achieve them (sequence of steps), and to choose the appropriate one based on the anticipation of consequences.Working memory: system that allows the maintenance, handling and processing of information in the mind.Hemineglect:great difficulty or inability to direct attention towards either side (usually the left), in relation to the body as well as space.Įxecutive Functions What are executive functions?Įxecutive functions are complex cognitive processes necessary for planning, organizing, guiding, revising, regulating, and evaluating behavior necessary to adapt effectively to the environment and to achieve goals (Bauermeister, 2008).Įxecutive functioning involves abilities and processes vital for daily life such as:.Processing speed: rate at which the brain performs a task (it evidently will vary according to the task and depending on the other cognitive functions involved therein).Alternating attention: ability to shift our focus from one task or internal norm fluidly to another.Selective attention: ability to direct attention and focus on something without allowing other stimuli, either internal or external, to interrupt the task.
Attention is the process of directing cognitive resources towards certain aspects of the environment, or towards the execution of certain actions that seem most appropriate.