Executive functions: what they are, how they work, and why they evolved

Abstract

Problems with the Concept of Executive Functioning. The Extended Phenotype: A Foundation for Modeling Executive Functioning. Executive Functioning as an Extended Phenotype. The Instrumental-Self-Directed Level. The Methodical-Self-Reliant Level. The Tactical-Reciprocal Level. The Strategic-Cooperative Level. The Extended Utilitarian Zone. Implications for Understanding Executive Functioning and Its Disorders. Implications for the Assessment and Clinical Management of Deficits in Executive Functioning. References. Index.