Executive Functions in the Mental Set Formation Process: Shifting, Updating, Inhibition

Abstract

This study examined the mechanisms of mental set (Einstellung effect) formation. Earlier it was shown that executive functions are a system-forming element in the structure of the formation mental set mechanisms. Executive functions (shifting, updating, inhibition) are considered as possible mechanisms for the formation of mental set. Additional load on executive functions should influence the formation of mental set. To model mental set, adapted Lachins’ problems of two types were used – arithmetic and verbal. Loading of executive functions was carried out within the framework of the secondary task paradigm. It was demonstrated that additional loading of executive functions of any type does not prevent the formation of mental set on the arithmetic material. At the same time, loading the shifting function negatively influenced the mental set formation on the verbal material. Thus, additional loading of executive functions can, on the one hand, lead to reduce of fixation, and on the other, lead to strengthening of fixation. A small load on executive functions leads to fixation, an increase in load leads to reduce of fixation, and overload leads to an increase in fixation. Thus, the overall level of loading on executive functions plays a key role in the formation of mental set, and the interaction between them can be described as a U-shaped curve.