The relevance of executive functions for writing competence in skilled writers
Abstract
The relevance of the three core executive functions for text quality and individual text features had already been shown in a number of studies with novice writers. However, experimental data on the influence of executive functions in adult, skilled writers are rare. This cross-sectional study thus investigated how inhibition, updating, and shifting are related to text quality and relevant individual text features in skilled writers. Sixty-three adult, skilled writers wrote an explanatory text. The text product was used to analyze text quality (as perceived by the recipient) and individual text features (information content, cohesion, lexical diversity, appropriate words, syntactic complexity). Executive functions were assessed with standardized tests. Analyses highlighted the importance of conveying cohesive information when writing explanatory texts. Regarding the role of executive functions, inhibition significantly influenced information content and cohesion; updating influenced the use of appropriate words; and shifting influenced perceived text quality. These findings emphasize that executive functions play an important role in writing not only for novice writers but across the lifespan, whereby their influence changes with development and expertise.
- Journal
- Journal of Writing Research
- Published
- 2026-06-17
- DOI
- 10.17239/jowr-2026.17.04.05
- CompPile
- Open Access
- OA PDF Diamond
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