The role of prefrontal cortex in working-memory capacity, executive attention, and general fluid intelligence: an individual-differences perspective.
We provide an "executive-attention" framework for organizing the cognitive neuroscience research on the constructs of working-memory capacity (WMC), general fluid intelligence, and prefrontal cortex (PFC) function. Rather than provide a novel theory of PFC function, we synthesize a wealth of single-cell, brain-imaging, and neuropsychological research through the lens of our theory of normal individual differences in WMC and attention control (Engle, Kane, & Tuholski, 1999; Engle, Tuholski, Laughlin, & Conway, 1999). Our critical review confirms the prevalent view that dorsolateral PFC circuitry is critical to executive-attention functions. Moreover, although the dorsolateral PFC is but one critical structure in a network of anterior and posterior "attention control" areas, it does have a unique executive-attention role in actively maintaining access to stimulus representations and goals in interference-rich contexts. Our review suggests the utility of an executive-attention framework for guiding future research on both PFC function and cognitive control.
Kane
Michael J
MJ
Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, North Carolina 27402-6164, USA. mjkane@uncg.edu
Engle
Randall W
RW
D000818:Animals; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology*; D005075:Biological Evolution; D001931:Brain Mapping; D006801:Humans; D007206:Individuality; D007360:Intelligence / Q000502:physiology*; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000502:physiology*; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000502:physiology; D010802:Phylogeny; D017397:Prefrontal Cortex / Q000502:physiology*