The development of executive functions in children aged 6-7 years

Abstract

Using neuropsychological methods, we studied the development of executive functions (EF) and selective attention collectively referred to as the voluntary regulation of behavior. Children of three age groups were studied: 6-6,5 years (n = 28), 6,5-7 years (n = 69), and 7-7,5 (n = 33) years. EF components in preschool children were found to develop with different pace: considerable development of the programming function and selective regulation was accompanied by the immaturity of self-control. The younger children showed lower levels of overall EF development. The most prominent age-related differences in younger children were related to the ability to learn instructions and to generate algorithms, as well as the ability to switch between separate actions and between activity patterns.