Executive Functioning and Problem Solving: A Bidirectional Relation

Authors

  • Athanasios Drigas N.C.S.R. ‘Demokritos’, Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications, Net Media Lab
  • Maria Karyotaki N.C.S.R. ‘Demokritos’, Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications, Net Media Lab

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijep.v9i3.10186

Keywords:

attentional processes, cognitive control, cognitive flexibility, emotional regulation

Abstract


There is a bidirectional relation between one’s executive functioning abilities and problem solving skills as they are both based on self-control. “Hot” and “cold” executive functions account for individuals’ cognitive control and emotional regulation. In addition, problem solving is tied to metacognitive awareness processes, necessary for applying executive function skills in goal setting and decision making situations. Therefore, individuals’ overall cognitive flexibility and emotional regulation can promote the quality, quantity and speed of decision-making processes, such as adaptable and creative information processing as well as efficiency in setting and prioritizing goals. Moreover, individuals with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder and individuals with other comorbid states, such as older adults, individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can counterbalance their cognitive control deficits through enhancing their problem solving skills. In addition, an advanced research in the bidirectional relation between executive function and problem solving skills could develop a comprehensive methodology for training and assessing self-regulatory processes.

Author Biographies

Athanasios Drigas, N.C.S.R. ‘Demokritos’, Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications, Net Media Lab

A. Drigas is with N.C.S.R. ‘Demokritos’, Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications, Telecoms Lab - Net Media Lab, Agia Paraskevi, 153 10, Athens, Greece (e-mail: dr@iit.demokritos.gr).

Maria Karyotaki, N.C.S.R. ‘Demokritos’, Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications, Net Media Lab

M. Karyotaki is with N.C.S.R. ‘Demokritos’, Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications, Telecoms Lab - Net Media Lab, Agia Paraskevi, 153 10, Athens, Greece (e-mail: karyotakimaria@gmail.com).

Downloads

Published

2019-06-11

How to Cite

Drigas, A., & Karyotaki, M. (2019). Executive Functioning and Problem Solving: A Bidirectional Relation. International Journal of Engineering Pedagogy (iJEP), 9(3), pp. 76–98. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijep.v9i3.10186

Issue

Section

Papers