Psychology MCAT Practice Exam

What role does the central executive play in working memory?

1. It stores memories for later retrieval

2. It allocates resources and coordinates information

3. It processes emotional responses

4. It controls motor output

The correct answer is: It allocates resources and coordinates information

The central executive is a crucial component of working memory, playing a significant role in the management and coordination of cognitive tasks. Specifically, it is responsible for allocating attention resources and integrating information from various sources, such as auditory and visual stimuli. This allows for the manipulation of information and helps in tasks like problem-solving, reasoning, and decision-making. In practical terms, the central executive supervises the flow of information within working memory and ensures that relevant information is prioritized while distractions are suppressed. This ability to control cognitive processes makes it essential for both short-term memory tasks and for the execution of more complex cognitive activities. On the other hand, other roles mentioned in the options do not accurately describe the function of the central executive. Storing memories for later retrieval relates more to the storage aspects of long-term memory rather than working memory. Processing emotional responses typically falls under the function of the limbic system and not specifically the central executive. Controlling motor output is more related to different neurological functions that involve motor coordination rather than cognitive task management. Thus, the central executive's primary function is best captured by its resource allocation and coordination of information processing in working memory.