The development of cognitive inhibition

Publisher Summary This chapter illustrates the development of cognitive inhibition using theories, definitions, and research evidence. Several contemporary developmental theories emphasize the role of changes in inhibitory efficiency in accounting for developmental changes in other aspects of cognition and behavior. A vital assumption of such approaches is that inhibitory mechanisms become more proficient during early development and decline in efficiency in later development. This chapter examines the tenability of the hypothesis that certain forms of cognitive inhibition improve in efficiency over childhood. It begins with a discussion on cognitive inhibition in the context of historical and contemporary inhibition models. It examines some of the key characteristics of the cognitive inhibition construct. It is focused on distinguishing between behavioral and cognitive inhibition and between inhibition and interference. Finally, it also examines intentional and automatic forms of cognitive inhibition as well as a review of recent research evidence concerning developmental changes in these variables.