11. Executive Functions, Cognitive Failures and Crash Risk

Executive Functions

Domain-general cognitive processes that enable planning, pursuing and executing goals without succumbing to distraction, and juggling multiple tasks.

Domain-general

Underscores functioning in a whole variety of domains.

what is regions associated with executive functions

frontal lobe

Unity in Executive Functions

Correlations between all executive function tasks.

Diversity in Executive Functions

Distinct subsets of executive functions that correlate more highly with one another.

3 types of executive functions

shifting, updating and inhibition

Shifting

Shifting between tasks or mental sets.

shifting example

multi-tasking

Updating

Active manipulation of working memory rather than just passive storage.

example of updating

driving and make wrong turn so has to update plan

Inhibition

Inhibition of prepotent responses.

inhibition example

not scratching mozzie bite

what does poor executive function lead to

impulsivity and even antisociality

Cognitive Failures

everyday slips and lapses

trivial Cognitive Failures

Sometimes have trivial consequences, such as forgetting why you went from one part of the house to another.

Profound Consequences of Cognitive Failures

Can include failing to notice another driver at an intersection.

Individual Differences in Cognitive Failures

There are clear and meaningful individual differences in the frequency of cognitive failures.

how to measure cognitive failures

cognitive failures questionnaire

Cognitive Failure Questionnaire (CFQ)

A widely used measure of cognitive failures with 25 items where respondents indicate the frequency of experiencing cognitive failures in the previous six months.

Cognitive Failures Examples

Do you find you forget why you went from one part of the house to the other? Do you fail to notice signposts on the road? Do you daydream when you ought to be listening to something? Do you find you forget what you came to the shops to buy? Do you find you forget appointments?

problem with Cognitive Failure Questionnaire

40+ years old - no technology

debate about factor structure

cfq 2.0

more contamporary, found 3 factors (inattantiveness, emotion regulation + planning factors, organisation), multiple studies to explore and confirm factors

why research individual differences in car crash likelihood

can help train and intervene before accident

what are some general driving-related predictors

experience, age, kms driven

2 key types of driving-related predictors

1. skill (vehicle control and hazard perception)

2. style (speed, following distance, distraction, fatigue)

cognitive predictors of crash risk

-higher cognitive failure = greater crash risk

-worse performance on useful field of view task = greater crash risk