Vive les differences! Individual variation in neural mechanisms of executive control

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Investigations of individual differences have become increasingly important in the cognitive neuroscience of executive control. For instance, individual variation in lateral prefrontal cortex function (and that of associated regions) has recently been used to identify contributions of executive control processes to a number of domains, including working memory capacity, anxiety, reward/motivation, and emotion regulation. However, the origins of such individual differences remain poorly understood. Recent progress toward identifying the genetic and environmental sources of variation in neural traits, in combination with progress in identifying the causal relationships between neural and cognitive processes, will be essential for developing a mechanistic understanding of executive control.

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Methodological considerations

A first issue to consider in conducting individual difference analyses is the size and nature of the sample. Although the typical sample size in cognitive neuroscience studies of executive control is in the range of 15–25 subjects, larger samples may be required in order to consistently detect individual difference effects [14]. The problem is twofold: first, studies with small sample sizes will tend to identify only a small fraction of population-level effects in any given sample; and second,

Individual difference approaches in cognitive neuroscience studies of executive control

The use of individual difference approaches has been employed to clarify the role of executive control mechanisms in a number of relevant cognitive and affective domains. Rather than attempt an exhaustive review, we use this space to highlight a few notable investigations that elegantly illustrate this general principle.

The origins of individual differences variation: genetics, environment, and neural mechanisms

A major goal of individual difference research is to identify the sources of variation underlying the observed variation of interest. Behavioral genetics studies have demonstrated that approximately half of the variance in executive control ability can be accounted for by heritable influences ([44, 45, 46••], but see [47••]). However, attempts to relate specific genetic polymorphisms directly to cognitive-behavioral differences in executive control function have met with little success, as most

Conclusion

The increased utilization of individual difference approaches in cognitive neuroscience research has advanced our understanding of how neural mechanisms of executive control contribute to a variety of domains, including working memory capacity, personality, motivation, and emotion regulation. Although individual difference approaches involve special methodological considerations and challenges, they represent a complementary approach to standard experimental manipulations that provides

References and recommended reading

Papers of particular interest, published within the period of review, have been highlighted as:

  • • of special interest

  • •• of outstanding interest

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