Higher cognitive functions

The course will present central theoretical and empirical issues related to higher cognitive functions with a focus on cognitive control functions. These control functions, often referred to as executive functions, are assumed to mediate goal-directed behaviour and to control and coordinate lower level cognitive processes. Executive control functions are central to most higher mental activities, that involve planning, execution, and evaluation of behaviours and they are closely tied to the construct of intelligence. A variety of neuropsychiatric disorders are associated with impairments and deficits in these functions. The course will also examine some of the relations between different forms of higher cognitive functions and emotional control functions and their underlying neural mechanisms. The course will also deal with individual and developmental differences in executive control functions.