ABSTRACT
Abstract Executive functions (EFs) are considered a multiple system of processing, associated with different components, such as inhibition, working memory, planning, among others. The study of EFs requires the assessment of all its components, having in mind the socio-demographic and cognitive characteristics of the target population. Nowadays, analysis of variance is used to achieve this goal; nevertheless, HJ-Biplot analysis overcome its limitations by allowing simultaneous examination of multiple data, such as those generated in EFs studies. This study evaluates possible differences in the EFs of 80 8-year-old Colombian children by their sex, socio-economic status and type of school they attend, to exemplify the advantages of using HJ-Biplot analysis in neuropsychological studies.
Resumo As funções executivas (EFs) são consideradas um sistema de vários componentes associados, como inibição, memoria de trabalho, planejamento e outros. O estudo das EFs requer a avaliação da totalidade dos seus componentes, tendo em conta as caraterísticas sociodemográficas e cognitivas da população-alvo. A analise de variância é usada para atingir esse objetivo. No entanto, a análise HJ-Biplot supera suas limitações, permitindo o exame simultâneo de dados múltiplos, como os gerados nos estudos de EFs. Este estudo avalia as possíveis diferenças nas EFs de 80 crianças de 8 anos de idade na Colômbia segundo seu sexo, nível socioeconômico e tipo de escola que frequentam, para exemplificar as vantagens de usar a analise HJ-Biplot nos estudos neuropsicológicos.
ABSTRACT
Executive Function (EF) is a higher cognitive process responsible for control and self-regulation of behavior. The aim of this study is to describe the developmental trajectory of EF in four and six-year old Colombian children, and to highlight possible differences by socio-cultural variables such as age, sex, type of school or socio-economic status. One hundred and sixty-three normotypical children were tested using psychological tests validated for a Spanish population belonging to the Weschler and Luria Initial batteries. HJ-biplot analysis showed that EF developed commensurate with age and school grade, although differences by socioeconomic status and type of school were evident.
Las funciones ejecutivas (FE) son un proceso cognitivo superior para la autorregulación y control del comportamiento. El objetivo del estudio fue describir las trayectorias de desarrollo de 163 niños colombianos normotípicos de 4 y 6 años de edad y resaltar las diferencias observadas según variables sociodemográficas como edad, sexo, tipo de colegio y condición socioeconómica. Para ello, se aplicaron pruebas psicológicas validadas para población hispanohablante y que conforman las baterías de la Weschler y Luria inicial. Los análisis HJ-biplot realizados muestran que las FE se desarrollan en relación con la edad y el grado escolar de los niños, no obstante, también se observaron diferencias asociadas a las condiciones socioeconómicas y tipo de colegio al que asisten los niños.