A core component of working memory, this cognitive function acts as a supervisory system. It governs attention, coordinates subsidiary systems, and performs complex cognitive operations. For example, when planning a trip, this system manages attention by filtering out irrelevant information, coordinates visual-spatial information (maps) with verbal information (directions), and manipulates this information to determine the optimal route.
The significance of this construct lies in its role in goal-directed behavior, decision-making, and problem-solving. Deficits in this function have been linked to various cognitive disorders, highlighting its importance in overall cognitive health. Historically, the understanding of this system evolved from early models of short-term memory to the more complex framework of working memory, recognizing the active role of attention and control processes.