Compilation of Training Programs for Executive Functions and Investigating its Effectiveness on improving these Functions in Preschool Children : Single Subject Design

The present study was conducted with the aim of developing an executive function training program and evaluating its effectiveness on improving response inhibition and working memory in preschool children.

The current research was a semi-experimental type of single case and A-B design with follow-up. The statistical population of this research consisted of normal children aged 5 to 6 years old in preschool centers in Karaj province in 2023, and from this population, three normal children were selected through available sampling and based on the entry criteria. The intervention program developed in 16 sessions was implemented individually. To collect data, the Go/No-Go test was used to evaluate response inhibition, and the N-BACK test was used to evaluate working memory. In order to analyze the data, visual analysis was done with trend indicators, percentage of non-overlapping data, and percentage of overlapping data.

The results based on visual analysis and non-overlapping data showed that the executive functions training program had a significant effect on improving working memory and response inhibition in all three subjects.

The executive function training program can be used from preschool age to improve the level of these functions, and this program can be used by parents, teachers, and child therapists.