Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The Assessment of Executive Function Using the Cognitive Assessment System: Second Edition

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Handbook of Executive Functioning

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to describe how executive function (EF) can be evaluated using the Cognitive Assessment System—Second Edition (Naglieri, Das, & Goldstein, 2013a, 2013b, 2013c). We will begin with a brief discussion of the relevant history of the concept of executive function, the ways it has been conceptualized, and how it has been measured. Next we will describe how the CAS2 can be used as part of the assessment process. Next, a case study will be provided which illustrates how the CAS2 can be integrated with other assessment data for identification and treatment planning. Finally, we will provide a discussion of an executive function intervention method that has been used for improving math and reading comprehension.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 349.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 449.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 449.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Anderson, V., Northam, E., Hendy, J., & Wrennall, J. (2001). Developmental neuropsychology: A clinical approach. Philadelphia, PA: Psychology Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Archibald, L. M., & Gathercole, S. E. (2006). Short-term and working memory in specific language impairment. In T. P. Alloway & S. E. Gathercole (Eds.), Working memory in neurodevelopmental conditions (pp. 139–160). Hove: Psychology Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baddeley, A. D. (1986). Working memory. Oxford: Clarendon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Banich, M.T. (2009). Executive Function: The Search for a Integrated Account. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 18(2), 89–94.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barkley, R. A. (2012). Executive functions: What are they, how they work, and why they evolved. New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baron, I. S. (2004). Neuropsychological evaluation of the child. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Berg, E. A. (1948). A simple objective technique for measuring flexibility in thinking. Journal of General Psychology, 39, 15–22.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Blair, C., Zelazo, P. D., & Greenberg, M. T. (2005). The measurement of executive function in early childhood. Developmental Neuropsychology, 28, 561–571.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Blair, C. (2006). Toward a revised theory of general intelligence: Further examination of fluid cognitive abilities as unique aspects of human cognition. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 29, 145–160.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bull, R., Espy, K. A., & Senn, T. E. (2004). A comparison of performance on the Towers of London and Hanoi in young children. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, and Allied Disciplines, 45, 743–754.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Clark, C. A. C., Pritchard, V. E., & Woodward, L. J. (2010). Preschool executive functioning abilities predict early mathematics achievement. Developmental Psychology, 46, 1176–1191.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Connors, K. (2000). Continuous Performance Test. Toronto: Multi-Health Systems.

    Google Scholar 

  • Conway, A. R. A., Cowan, N., & Bunting, M. F. (2001). The cocktail party phenomenon revisited: The importance of working memory capacity. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 8, 331–335.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cowan, N. (2005). Working memory capacity. Hove: Psychology Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Das, J. P., Kar, B. C., & Parrila, R. K. (1996). Cognitive planning: The psychological basis of intelligent behavior. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Das, J. P., Naglieri, J. A., & Kirby, J. R. (1994). Assessment of cognitive processes. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dawson, P., & Guare, R. (2010). Executive skills in children and adolescents: A practical guide to assessment and intervention 2nd ed. New York: The Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Delis, D. C., Kaplan, E., & Kramer, J. H. (2001a). Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS). San Antonio, TX: The Psychological Corporation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Delis, D. C., Kaplan, E., & Kramer, J. H. (2001b). Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) examiner’s manual (pp. 1–218). San Antonio, TX: The Psychological Corporation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Duncan, J., Emslie, H., Williams, P., Johnson, R., & Freer, C. (1996). Intelligence and the frontal lobe: The organization of goal-directed behavior. Cognitive Psychology, 30(3), 257–303.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ellioit, R. (2003). Executive functions and their disorders: Imaging in clinical neuroscience. British Medical Bulletin, 65(1), 49–59. doi:10.1093/bmb/65.1.49.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Engle, R. W., & Conway, A. R. A. (1998). Comprehension and working memory. In R. H. Logie and K. J. Gilhooly (Eds.), Working memory and thinking. London: Lawrence Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Engle, R. W. (2002). Working memory capacity as executive attention. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 11, 19–23.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fletcher, J. M. (1996). Executive functions in children: Introduction to a special series. Developmental Neuropsychology, 12, 1–3.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fristoe, N. M., Salthouse, T. A., & Woodward, J. L. (1997). Examination of age-related deficits on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Neuropsychology, 11(3), 428–436.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fuster, J. M. (1997). Network memory. Trends in Neurosciences, 20, 451–459.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gold, J. M., Carpenter, C., Randolph, C., Goldberg, T. E., & Weinberger, D. R. (1997). Auditory working memory and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test performance in schizophrenia. Archives of General Psychiatry, 54, 159–165.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Golden, CJ (1978). Stroop color and word test: A manual for clinical and experimental uses. Chicago, IL: Skoelting.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goldberg, E. (2009). The executive brain: Frontal lobes and the civilized mind-second edition. New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goldman-Rakic, P. S. (1991). Prefrontal cortical dysfunction in schizophrenia: The relevance of working memory. In B. J. Carroll & J. E. Barrett (Eds.), Psychopathology and the brain (pp. 1–23). New York: Raven.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grant, D. A., & Berg, E. A. (1948). A behavioral analysis of degree of reinforcement and ease of shifting to new responses in a Weigl-type card-sorting problem. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 38, 404–411.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Haddad, F. A., Garcia, Y. E., Naglieri, J. A., Grimditch, M., McAndrews, A., & Eubanks, J. (2003). Planning facilitation and reading comprehension: Instructional relevance of the PASS theory. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 21, 282–289.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Iseman, J., & Naglieri, J. A. (2011). A cognitive strategy instruction to improve math calculation for children with ADHD: A randomized controlled study. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 44, 184–195.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Isquith, P. K., Roth, R. M., & Gioia, G. A. (2010). Tasks of executive control. Professional manual. Lutz, FL: PAR, Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jonides, J., & Nee, D. E. (2006). Brain mechanisms of proactive interference in working memory. Neuroscience, 139, 181–193.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kane, M. J., Bleckley, M. K., Conway, A. R. A., & Engle, R. W. (2001). A controlled-attention view of working memory capacity: Individual differences in memory span and the control of visual orienting. Journal of Experimental Psychology General, 130, 169–183.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kane, M. J., & Engle, R. W. (2003). Working memory capacity and the control of attention: The contributions of goal neglect, response competition, and task set to Stroop interference. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 132, 47–70.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaufman, A. S., & Kaufman, N. L. (2004). Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children second edition. Circle Pines, MN: American Guidance Service.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kenworthy, L., Yerys, B. E., Anthony, L. G., & Wallace, G. L. (2008). Understanding executive control in autism spectrum disorders in the lab and in the real world. Neuropsychological Review, 18, 320–338.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Klingberg, T., Fernell, E., Olesen, P. J., Johnson, M., Gustafsson, P., Dahlström, K., et al. (2005). Computerized training of working memory in children with ADHD: A randomized, controlled trial. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 44, 177–186.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kochanska, G., Murray, K., & Harlan, E. (2000). Effortful control in early childhood: Continuity and change, antecedents, and implications for social development. Developmental Psychology, 36, 220–232.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Korkman, M., Kirk, S., & Kemp, U. (2007). NEPSY-II. San Antonio, TX: Pearson.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leung, H. C., Gore, J. C., & Goldman-Rakic, P. S. (2005). Differential anterior prefrontal activation during the recognition stage of a spatial working memory task. Cerebral Cortex, 15, 1742–1749.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lezak, M. D., Howieson, D. B., Loring, D. W., Hannay, H. J., & Fischer, J. S. (2004). Neuropsychological assessment (4th ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lezak, M. D., Howieson, D. B., Bigler, E. D., & Tranel, D. (2012). Neuropsychological assessment, (5th ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Luria, A. R. (1966). Human brain and psychological processes. New York: Harper and Row.

    Google Scholar 

  • Luria, A. R. (1973). The working brain. New York: Basic Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Luria, A. R. (1980). Higher cortical functions in man (2nd ed.). New York: Basic Books.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Luria, A. R. (1982). Language and cognition. New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marcovitch, S., Boseovski, J. J., & Knapp, R. J. (2007). Use it or lose it: Examining preschoolers’ difficulty in maintaining and executing a goal. Developmental Science, 10, 559–564.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McCloskey, G. & Perkins, L. A. (2013). Essentials of executive functions assessment. Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Melby-LervÃ¥g, M., & Hulme, C. (2012). Is working memory training effective? A meta-analytic review. Developmental Psychology, 49, 270–291. doi:10.1037/a0028228.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mezzacappa, E., & Buckner, J. C. (2010). Working memory training for children with attention problems or hyperactivity: A school-based pilot study. School Mental Health, 2(4), 202–208.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meyers, J. E., & Meyers, K. R. (1995). Rey complex figure test and recognition trial: Professional manual. Lutz, FL: Psychological Assessment Resources.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miyake, A., & Shah, P. (Eds.). (1999). Models of working memory: Mechanisms of active maintenance and executive control. New York: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moll, J., de Oliveira-Souza, R., Tovar, F. T., Bramati, I. E., & Andreiuolo, P. A. (2002). The cerebral correlates of set-shifting. Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria, 60, 900–905.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mullane, J. C., & Corkum, P. V. (2007). The relationship between working memory, inhibition, and performance on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test in children with and without ADHD. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 25, 211–221.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Naglieri, J. A. (1999). Essentials of CAS assessment. New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Naglieri, J. A. (2008). Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test—2nd edition. San Antonio, TX: Pearson.

    Google Scholar 

  • Naglieri, J. A., & Das, J. P. (1997). Cognitive Assessment System. Itasca: Riverside Publishing Company.

    Google Scholar 

  • Naglieri, J. A., Das, J. P., & Goldstein, S. (2013a). Cognitive Assessment System2. Austin: ProEd.

    Google Scholar 

  • Naglieri, J. A., Das, J. P., & Goldstein, S. (2013b). Cognitive Assessment System2—Brief. Austin: ProEd.

    Google Scholar 

  • Naglieri, J. A., Das, J. P., & Goldstein, S. (2013c). Cognitive Assessment System2—Rating sales. Austin: ProEd.

    Google Scholar 

  • Naglieri, J. A., & Goldstein, S. (2013). Comprehensive Executive Functioning Index. Toronto: Multi Health Systems.

    Google Scholar 

  • Naglieri, J. A., & Gottling, S. H. (1995). A cognitive education approach to math instruction for the learning disabled: An individual study. Psychological Reports, 76, 1343–1354.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Naglieri, J. A., & Gottling, S. H. (1997). Mathematics instruction and PASS cognitive processes: An intervention study. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 30, 513–520.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Naglieri, J. A., & Johnson, D. (2000). Effectiveness of a cognitive strategy intervention to improve math calculation based on the PASS theory. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 33, 591–597.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Naglieri, J. A., & Otero, T. (2011). Cognitive Assessment System: Redefining intelligence from a neuropsychological perspective. In A. Davis (Ed.), Handbook of pediatric neuropsychology (pp. 320–333). New York: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Naglieri, J. A., & Pickering, E. B. (2010). Helping children learn: Intervention handouts for use at school and home (second edition). Baltimore, MD: Brookes Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Shanick, G. J., & O’Shanick, A. M. (1994). Personality and intellectual changes. In J. M. Silver, S. C. Yudofsky, & R. E. Hales (Eds.), Neuropsychiatry of traumatic brain injury (pp. 163–188). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pennington, B. F., Bennetto, L., McAleer, O., & Roberts, R. J. (1996). Executive functions and working memory. In G. R. Lyons & N. A. Krasnegor (Eds.), Attention, memory and executive function (pp. 327–348). Paul H. Brookes: Baltimore.

    Google Scholar 

  • Penrose, L. S., & Raven, J. C. (1936). A new series of perceptual tests: Preliminary communication. British Journal of Medical Psychology, 16, 97–104.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Posner, M. I., & Boies, S. J. (1971). Components of attention. Psychological Review, 78, 391–408.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roid, G. (2003). Stanford-Binet fifth edition. Itasca, IL: Riverside.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schneider, W., Dumais, S. T., & Shiffrin, R. M. (1984). Automatic and controlled processing and attention. In R. Parasuraman & D. R. Davies (Eds.), Varieties of attention (pp. 1–28). New York: Academic.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schoemaker, K., Bunte, T., Wiebe, S. A., Espy, K. A., Dekovic, M., & Matthys, W. (2012). Executive function deficits in preschool children with ADHD and DBD. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, and Allied Disciplines, 53, 111–119.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Strauss, E., Sherman, E. M. S., & Spreen, O. (2006). A compendium of neuropsychological tests: Administration, norms, and commentary (3rd ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Szmalec, A., Verbruggen, F., Vandierendonck, A., & Kemps, E. (2011). Control of interference during working memory updating. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, 37, 137–151.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary. (2007). Executive function. Retrieved December 10, 2012, from http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/executive+function

  • Wang, Y., Markram, H., Goodman, P. H., Berger, T. K., Ma, J., & Goldman-Rakic, P. S. (2006). Heterogeneity in the pyramidal network of the medial prefrontal cortex. Nature Neuroscience, 9, 534–542.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wechsler, D. (2003). The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—4th ed. (WISC-IV). San Antonio: The Psychological Corporation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wechsler, D., Kaplan, E., Fein, D., Morris, E., Kramer, J. H., Maerlender, A., et al. (2004). The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Fourth edition integrated technical and interpretative manual. San Antonio, TX: Harcourt Assessment, Inc

    Google Scholar 

  • Wechsler, D., & Naglieri, J. A. (2006). Wechsler Nonverbal Scale of Ability. San Antonio: Harcourt Assessment.

    Google Scholar 

  • Welsh, M.C. & Pennington, B.F. (1988). Assessing frontal lobe functioning in children: Views from developmental psychology. Developmental Neuropsychology, 4(3), 199–230.

    Google Scholar 

  • Willoughby, M. T., Wirth, R. J., Blair, C. B., & Greenberg, M. (2012). The measurement of executive function at age 5: Psychometric properties and relationship to academic achievement. Psychological Assessment, 24(1), 226–239.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zelazo, P., Qu, L., & Muller, U. (2004). Hot and cool aspects of executive function: Relations in early development. In W. Schneider, R. Schumann-Hengsteler, & B. Sodian (Eds.), Young children’s cognitive development: Interrelationships among executive functioning, working memory, verbal ability, and theory of mind (pp. 71–93). Mahwah: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Virginia, Curry School of Education, White Post Road 6622, 20121, Centreville, VA, USA

    Jack A. Naglieri

  2. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Chicago, IL, USA

    Tulio M. Otero

Authors
  1. Jack A. Naglieri
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Tulio M. Otero
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jack A. Naglieri .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Neurology, Learning and Behavior Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

    Sam Goldstein

  2. University of Virginia Curry School of Education, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

    Jack A. Naglieri

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2014 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Naglieri, J.A., Otero, T.M. (2014). The Assessment of Executive Function Using the Cognitive Assessment System: Second Edition. In: Goldstein, S., Naglieri, J. (eds) Handbook of Executive Functioning. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-8106-5_12

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation