Which of the following is NOT typically listed as a core executive control component in the material?

• A. Sensory processing
• B. Inhibition
• C. Cognitive flexibility
• D. Planning and Organization

Answer: (A)

Executive control functions are higher-order processes that guide thoughts and actions toward goal-directed behavior. The core components most often highlighted are inhibition (the ability to suppress impulses), working memory (holding and updating goal-relevant information), and cognitive flexibility (the ability to switch between tasks or mental sets). Planning and organization are commonly described as aspects of executive function as well, involving sequencing steps, anticipating consequences, and coordinating actions. Sensory processing, in contrast, concerns detecting and interpreting sensory input from the environment. It is a perceptual processing function rather than an active control process over other cognitive operations, so it is not typically listed as a core executive control component.