Cognitive Control in Low Proficient and High Proficient Younger and Older Bilinguals

Abstract

Executive functions include basic cognitive processes such as attentional control, cognitive inhibition, inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. Executive function is reported to be advantageous in bilinguals when compared to monolinguals. The present study investigates the cognitive control in low and high proficient younger and older bilinguals. Kannada-English bilingual adults in the age range of 18-30 years and 55-70 years were recruited. Bilinguals were further divided into subgroups of high and low proficient bilinguals based on a self-rating proficiency questionnaire; LEAP-Q. Three tasks assessing different domains of cognitive control i.e. Simon’s task, Stroop task, and Conditioned naming task were administered on all the subjects. Reaction time and accuracy scores were computed. It was found that bilingual advantage of cognitive control was seen for both reaction time and accuracy scores in young and high proficient bilinguals. However, high proficient bilinguals were able to persist this advantage with increasing age.