Introduction: Links Between Social Interaction and Executive Function

Lewis, Charlie and Carpendale, Jeremy I. M. (2009) Introduction: Links Between Social Interaction and Executive Function. New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development, 123. pp. 1-15. ISSN 1534-8687

Abstract

The term executive function is used increasingly within developmental psychology and is often taken to refer to unfolding brain processes. We trace the origins of research on executive function to show that the link with social interaction has a long history. We suggest that a recent frenzy of research exploring methods for studying individual executive skills should pay more attention to the tradition exploring the role of social interaction in their development.