Cognitive flexibility in preschoolers: A role for the late frontal negativity (LFN)

When our goals or plans change, we have to be able to flexibly switch to adapt to the current situation or demands. Cognitive flexibility is the mental process that allows us to alternate flexibly and align our behaviours accordingly. Cognitive flexibility emerges in early childhood, but little is known about the neural correlates supporting this ability early in life. In this study, five-year-olds performed the Dimension Change Card Sort (DCCS) task while we recorded their brain activity using scalp-recorded electroencephalography (EEG). As expected, children were slower to respond on trials requiring cognitive flexibility (i.e., post-switch trials). EEG recordings showed that a late occurring frontal negativity (LFN) was larger on post-switch trials than on pre-switch trials. An earlier occurring negativity, the N2, did not differ by switch demands, and was observed on both the pre- and post-switch trials. The findings from this study indicate that as in later stages of development the LFN may be an important neural marker underlying cognitive flexibility in early childhood. •Little is known about the early life neural correlates of cognitive flexibility.•We measured five-year old’s EEG’s during the Dimension Change Card Sort (DCCS) task.•The N2, was observed and did not differ across pre- and post-switch.•A late occurring frontal negativity (LFN) was largest on post-switch trials.•As in later development the LFN may be a marker of early childhood flexibility.