An fNIRS examination of executive function in bilingual young children

Abstract

Aims: The present study aims to examine: (1) the relationship between young children’s bilingualism and their performance in the Dimensional Card Change Sort (DCCS) task; and (2) whether prefrontal activation was associated with children’s bilingualism and executive function. Methodology: Children performed three sessions of the DCCS and their brain activity during the task was measured using functional nearinfrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Data and analysis: A sample of bilingual children ( N = 49) was recruited from a preschool with an English immersion program. We examined whether children’s performance in the DCCS was related to their bilingualism and whether the changes in oxygenated hemoglobin in the prefrontal regions were related to their bilingualism and performance in the DCCS. Findings/conclusions: Results showed that children’s English ability was significantly correlated with their behavioral performance in DCCS, and predicted children’s group membership (pass or perseverate). Furthermore, children in the pass group significantly activated the prefrontal cortex than those in the perseverate group, and activation in the prefrontal region was significantly correlated with children’s English ability. Originality: The current study first examined the effect of children’s bilingualism on their executive function and prefrontal activation.

Tablet Use Affects Preschoolers’ Executive Function: fNIRS Evidence from the Dimensional Change Card Sort Task

“…The results jointly indicated that the prefrontal area was substantially involved in the cognitive shifting [15]. Recently, Xie et al found that the children in the DCCS pass group significantly activated the prefrontal cortex than those in the perseverate group, and activation in the prefrontal region was significantly correlated with children's executive function [10]. Very recently, Li et al proposed and confirmed the 'V-shape curve' theory by identifying a significant decrease-increase cycle in BA 9, the neural correlate of cognitive shifting [11].…”

“…The region of interest (ROI) was located at Brodmann Areas (BAs) 6/8/9/10/40/44 (Figure 3). Previous studies have shown that these areas were involved in EF in preschool children [10,11]. In particular, channels 1 & 9 were located in BA 6, channels 13, 15, 17 were located in BA 10, channel 10 was located in BA 8, channels 11, 12, 14, 16 were located in BA 9, channel 4 was located in BA 40, and channels 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8 were located in the right IFC (BA 44).…”

“…Executive function (EF) refers to the brain's specific cognitive, transactional, self-regulating functions that can control and direct one's attention amid distractions, regulate emotional reactivity, inhibit behavior from responding to environmental demands and fulfill goals [10,11]. Miyake et al identified three core components of EF: inhibition, working memory, and cognitive shifting [12].…”

Tablet Use Affects Preschoolers’ Executive Function: fNIRS Evidence from the Dimensional Change Card Sort Task

“…Executive function (EF) refers to the brain’s specific cognitive, transactional, self-regulating functions that can control and direct one’s attention amid distractions, regulate emotional reactivity, inhibit behavior from responding to environmental demands and fulfill goals [ 10 , 11 ]. Miyake et al identified three core components of EF: inhibition, working memory, and cognitive shifting [ 12 ].…”

“…The results jointly indicated that the prefrontal area was substantially involved in the cognitive shifting [ 15 ]. Recently, Xie et al found that the children in the DCCS pass group (with cognitive shifting) significantly activated the prefrontal cortex than those in the perseverate group who did not complete the cognitive shifting, and the activation in the prefrontal region was significantly correlated with children’s executive function [ 10 ]. Very recently, Li et al proposed and confirmed the ‘V-shape curve’ theory by identifying a significant decrease–increase cycle in BA 9, the neural correlate of cognitive shifting [ 11 ].…”