title: Income, neural executive processes, and preschool children's executive control.
abstract: This study aimed to specify the neural mechanisms underlying the link between low household income and diminished executive control in the preschool period. Specifically, we examined whether individual differences in the neural processes associated with executive attention and inhibitory control accounted for income differences observed in performance on a neuropsychological battery of executive control tasks. The study utilized a sample of preschool-aged children (N = 118) whose families represented the full range of income, with 32% of families at/near poverty, 32% lower income, and 36% middle to upper income. Children completed a neuropsychological battery of executive control tasks and then completed two computerized executive control tasks while EEG data were collected. We predicted that differences in the event-related potential (ERP) correlates of executive attention and inhibitory control would account for income differences observed on the executive control battery. Income and ERP measures were related to performance on the executive control battery. However, income was unrelated to ERP measures. The findings suggest that income differences observed in executive control during the preschool period might relate to processes other than executive attention and inhibitory control.
authors.affiliation: University of Washington.
authors.forename: Erika J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Ruberry
authors.affiliation: University of Washington.
authors.forename: Liliana J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Lengua
authors.affiliation: University of Washington.
authors.forename: Leanna Harris
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Crocker
authors.affiliation: Oregon Social Learning Center.
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bruce
authors.affiliation: University of Washington.
authors.forename: Michaela B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Upshaw
authors.affiliation: University of Washington.
authors.forename: Jessica A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Sommerville
mesh_terms: D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology*; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D056344:Executive Function / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D007206:Individuality; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011203:Poverty