Abstract
Over the past decade the role of executive function (ECF) in behavioral assessments has become well-known in the neurological and cognitive aging literature. With the exception of working memory, the assessment of ECF and situations that might enhance or detract from ECF have received little focus in human factors work. Part of this omission stems from a lack of understanding of the scope of ECF as it affects behavior, and lack of a well-known means of quickly assessing or screening for ECF failure. A framework for understanding ECF as it relates to human factors is presented and follows the acronym SOS-MOMMI. The discussion follows the role of selection, organization, sequencing, monitoring, mentoring (self), working memory, and inhibition as components of the ECF system that are affected by age, fatigue, stress, depression, and alcohol use. Examples of ECF failures and conditions that produce them are discussed as well as brief screens that can be used to gather data to assess ECF
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.