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Mind Wandering and the relation to Executive Functions

Executive Function:

Executive functions (EFs) are cognitive processes that make a person pay attention or concentrate on a task (Diamond 2013; Reference 2). Three executive functions that relate to memory are inhibiting, updating and shifting. Inhibiting controls a person's attention and thoughts when there are distractions (Schnitzspahn 2013; Friedman 2007; Diamond 2013; Reference 4). Updating replaces outdated information in the working memory (Schnitzspahn 2013; Friedman 2007; Reference 4). Shifting controls the ability to go between multiple tasks (Schnitzspahn 2013; Friedman 2007; Reference 4). These three EFs have a relationship to mind-wandering (Reference 3).

Relationship:

Executive functions have roles in attention problems, attention control, thought control, and working memory capacity (Friedman 2007; McVay 2009; Kane 2007; Schnitzspahn 2013; Kane 2012; Reference 4; Reference 5). Attention problems relate to behavioral problems such as inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity (Friedman 2007; Reference 4). These behaviors make staying on task difficult leading to more mind wandering (Friedman 2007). Higher inhibiting and updating abilities correlates to lower levels of attention problems in adolescence (Friedman 2007; Reference 7). The inhibiting executive function controls attention and thought (McVay 2009; Schnitzspahn 2013; Kane 2007; Reference 6). The failure of this executive function is a direct cause of mind wandering (McVay 2009; Schnitzspahn 2013; Kane 2007; Reference 6). Mind wandering is also connected to working memory capacity (WMC) (Kane 2007; Reference 5). People with higher WMC mind wander less on high concentration tasks no matter their boredom levels (Kane 2007). People with low WMC are better at staying on task for low concentration tasks, but once the task increases in difficulty they had a hard time keeping their thoughts on task (Kane 2007). Updating takes place in the working memory, therefore those with low WMC have a lower updating executive function ability (Kane 2007; Reference 5). That means a low performing updating executive function can be an indicator of high mind wandering (Kane 2007). Working memory relies on executive functions, with mind wandering being an indicator of their failure (Kane 2012; Reference 5). Task Unrelated Thoughts (TUTs) are what indicates mind wandering in a person (McVay 2009; Kane 2012; Reference 8). The longer a task is performed the more TUTs reported (McVay 2009; Reference 8). Mind wandering is an indication of an executive control failure that is characterized by TUTs (McVay 2009; Kane 2012; Reference 8).

Encyclopedia Articles:

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