Dual Mechanisms of Cognitive Control

Abstract

The dual mechanisms of control framework distinguishes between two cognitive control modes that differ in terms of temporal dynamics: proactive and reactive control. Proactive control relies on the continuous maintenance of task goals in working memory and helps to prevent or minimize the impact of interference, prior to its onset, while reactive control reactivates task goals only upon the onset of a critical event, such as the occurrence of interference. According to this framework, aging is associated with a tendency to shift from a predominant proactive control mode to a less resource‐consuming reactive control mode. This shift is hypothesized to arise from age‐related changes in prefrontal cortex functioning.