What is the role of the central executive in cognitive tasks?

The central executive in cognitive tasks directs attention and coordinates information from different cognitive systems.

The central executive is a key component of the working memory model, proposed by Baddeley and Hitch in 1974. It is often described as the 'conductor' or 'manager' of cognitive processes, responsible for controlling and coordinating the operations of the other components of working memory: the phonological loop, the visuospatial sketchpad, and the episodic buffer.

The central executive has a crucial role in directing attention to relevant information, while simultaneously ignoring irrelevant distractions. This is particularly important in complex cognitive tasks that require multitasking or the simultaneous processing of different types of information. For instance, when reading a complex text, the central executive would direct attention to the process of reading, while also coordinating the storage and retrieval of information in the phonological loop and visuospatial sketchpad.

Moreover, the central executive is responsible for the integration of information from different sources. It coordinates the activities of the phonological loop and visuospatial sketchpad, which handle verbal and visual-spatial information respectively, and the episodic buffer, which integrates information into a single, coherent representation. This allows for the simultaneous processing and integration of diverse types of information, which is crucial for many cognitive tasks.

The central executive also plays a role in the manipulation of information within working memory. This includes processes such as mental arithmetic, problem-solving, and decision-making, which require the manipulation and reorganisation of information rather than just its storage.

In summary, the central executive is a crucial component of the working memory model, responsible for directing attention, coordinating the activities of other cognitive systems, and manipulating information within working memory. Its role is particularly important in complex cognitive tasks that require multitasking or the simultaneous processing and integration of diverse types of information.