[Factorial structure of the executive functions in young university students].
BACKGROUND
Several studies have proposed a multiple dimensional theoretical model for executive function.


OBJECTIVE
To identify the factor structure of the executive function in a sample of young university students of different modalities of learning in their careers.


METHODS
100 participants of both sexes, age 16 to-21-year old and normal Full Scale IQ were selected in a randomized and representative approach from private universities of Medellin Colombia. They were student of verbal, visuospatial and mathematical careers. A executive function assessment battery were applied, which included: Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Trail Making Test (TMT) A and B, verbal fluency test (FAS) by phonologic and semantic guides, and Stroop test.


RESULTS
A structure of four factor was found, which explained 74.9% of variance. Factors were: 1. Organization and flexibility, which explained 26.6% of variance; 2. Processing speed, 19.7%; 3. Inhibitory control, 15.1%; and 4. Verbal fluency 13.4%.


CONCLUSIONS
A multiple factor structure of the executive function in young university students was demonstrated.
Pineda
D A
DA
Universidad de San Buenaventura, Medellín, Colombia. dpineda@epm.net.co
Merchán
V
V
Rosselli
M
M
Ardila
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003105:Colombia; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence; D007600:Judgment; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D008960:Models, Psychological; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D017397:Prefrontal Cortex / Q000502:physiology; D011897:Random Allocation; D012016:Reference Values; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D013850:Thinking; D014495:Universities; D014705:Verbal Behavior
Estructura factorial de la función ejecutiva en estudiantes universitarios jóvenes.