Exploring the Relations Among Executive Functions, Fluid Intelligence, and Personality

Abstract

Executive functions (EFs) are important for goal-directed behavior and have been linked with a number of important constructs like intelligence. The current study examined the link between EFs and aspects of normal and abnormal personality. Latent variables of working memory, fluency, response inhibition, and vigilance EFs were examined along with fluid intelligence (gF). It was found that the EFs were separate yet correlated, and that each was related to gF. Furthermore, it was found that aspects of personality as measured by the Five-Factor Model and the BIS/BAS were differentially related to the EFs and gF. Examination of personality disorder measures also demonstrated differential relationships with the EFs and gF. The results suggest a number of systematic and important links between EFs and personality and suggest the need for a more unified field of individual differences.

Self-report measures of executive function problems correlate with personality, not performance-based executive function measures, in nonclinical samples.

“…In particular, findings from other research (e.g. Murdock et al, 2013;Unsworth et al, 2009) were not replicated.…”

“…However, it did not correlate with either of these variables in Study 3. Unsworth et al (2009) found a link between Openness to Experience and Fluency. Murdock et al (2013) reported that Openness was associated with both cognitive flexibility and updating / monitoring (which in their implementation was based on similar fluency tasks to the cognitive flexibility variable in the current Study 3).…”

“…Consideration of the effects that personality may have on self-reporting of executive problems is complicated by the fact that there may also be genuine associations between personality and different aspects of objectively measurable executive function (Unsworth et al, 2009;Williams et al, 2009). For example, DeYoung, Hirsh, Shane, Papademetris, Rajeevan, and Gray (2010) showed that conscientiousness covaried with volume of a brain area (lateral prefrontal cortex) involved in planning and voluntary control of behavior; including the middle frontal gyrus which they note is involved in maintaining information in working memory.…”

“…However, relatively few studies (e.g. Murdock, Oddi & Bridgett, 2013;Unsworth et al, 2009) have evaluated relationships between broad personality taxonomies and multiple executive function constructs. Furthermore, evidence from such studies has been equivocal, with inconsistent findings.…”

The effects of physical tiredness on some cognitive functions

“…Anderson et al, 1999;Damasio & Anderson, 1993;Hebb, 1939Hebb, , 1945Hebb & Penfield, 1940, Dрема Пурић, 2013) и осоJинама личносLи (нDр. Dolan & Anderson, 2002;Knežević, Savić, Špirić, Vermetten, & Vidaković, 2011;Logan et al, 1997;Luu, Colins, & Tucker, 2000;Morgan & Lilienfeld, 2000;Purić & Pavlović, 2011;Unsworth et al, 2010;Dрема Пурић, 2013). Ка9а DосмаLрамо о9нос инLели:енције и е:зекуLивних функција, нека исLраживања указују на DосLојање DовезаносLи између функције ажурирања и флуи9не и крисLализоване инLе-ли:енције (нDr.…”