Preschool-Level Predictors of Children's Executive Function: Do Preschool-Pedagogy Clusters Make a Difference?

IF 1.8 3区心理学 Q2 PSYCHOLOGY, EXPERIMENTAL

Applied Cognitive Psychology Pub Date : 2026-02-12 DOI:10.1002/acp.70155

Chika Ezeugwu, Mary Adedayo, Obed Apochi, Adebunmi Oyekola, Janet Olaseni

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Abstract

While prior studies highlight the importance of structured learning environments in executive function (EF) development, few studies have examined how variations in preschool type and pedagogical approaches shape EF as critical cognitive processes underpinning goal-directed behavior in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study investigated whether combined preschool-pedagogy clusters (private/play-based vs. public/traditional) predict EF performance among 120 Nigerian preschoolers (M = 5.14, SD = 0.97). Children completed the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery, assessing inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that the preschool-pedagogy cluster did not significantly predict EF performance. Instead, age independently predicted working memory and composite EF scores, suggesting that developmental maturation may outweigh school-level influences during early childhood. These findings contribute to our understanding of how preschool-level factors relate to EF in young children in LMICs and highlight the need for further research integrating home- and preschool-level factors to better understand contextual influences on children's cognitive development.

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儿童执行功能的学前水平预测因素：学前教育集群有影响吗？

虽然先前的研究强调了结构化学习环境在执行功能（EF）发展中的重要性，但很少有研究考察了学前教育类型和教学方法的差异如何将EF塑造为中低收入国家（LMICs）目标导向行为的关键认知过程。本研究调查了120名尼日利亚学龄前儿童（M = 5.14, SD = 0.97）的学前教育组合（私立/基于游戏的vs.公立/传统的）是否能预测EF表现。儿童完成了NIH工具箱认知电池，评估抑制控制，工作记忆和认知灵活性。层次回归分析显示，学前教育聚类对英语学习成绩没有显著的预测作用。相反，年龄独立地预测了工作记忆和综合EF分数，这表明在儿童早期，发育成熟可能超过学校水平的影响。这些发现有助于我们理解学龄前水平因素如何与低收入中低收入幼儿的EF相关，并强调需要进一步研究整合家庭和学龄前水平因素，以更好地了解环境对儿童认知发展的影响。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Applied Cognitive Psychology PSYCHOLOGY, EXPERIMENTAL-

CiteScore

4.30

自引率

8.30%

发文量

111

期刊介绍： Applied Cognitive Psychology seeks to publish the best papers dealing with psychological analyses of memory, learning, thinking, problem solving, language, and consciousness as they occur in the real world. Applied Cognitive Psychology will publish papers on a wide variety of issues and from diverse theoretical perspectives. The journal focuses on studies of human performance and basic cognitive skills in everyday environments including, but not restricted to, studies of eyewitness memory, autobiographical memory, spatial cognition, skill training, expertise and skilled behaviour. Articles will normally combine realistic investigations of real world events with appropriate theoretical analyses and proper appraisal of practical implications.