Abstract
Background
Assessment of Executive Function (EF) is a crucial component in evaluating individual cognition. However, in Indonesia, the limited availability of valid and reliable measurement tools poses a significant challenge in this area. Measuring EF in Indonesian context is complex due to the nation’s vast cultural diversity, with over 1,300 ethnic groups and numerous traditions that influence cognitive patterns and developmental trajectories.
Aims & Objectives
This study seeks to design an EF assessment tool that aligns with the cultural context of Indonesia. The process involves:
Developing the executive function construct with an emphasis on aspects of Indonesian culture, particularly spiritual functioning.
Identifying and defining the structural dimensions underlying the construct.
Creating measurement items that accurately represent the executive function construct.
Evaluating the validity of the tool, including its content and psychometric properties.
Method
The methodology for this study included item construction and psychometric validation. Item construction was guided by expert judgment using the Delphi method to ensure the items reflected culturally relevant aspects of executive function and aligned with theoretical constructs.
Psychometric validation involved confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to evaluate the structural validity of the tool by testing the fit between the hypothesized model and the observed data.
Data were collected from 300 children and adolescents in the Greater Jakarta area (Jabodetabek) and analyzed using the Lavaan package in R software, enabling assessment of factor loadings, reliability, and model fit.
Results
AUFEI demonstrated a well-fitting construct structure, comprising two formats with each 25 items: AUFEI-P for caregivers of children aged 6–12 years, and AUFEI-A for individuals aged 13-24 years. This measurement consist of five dimensions, including working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, plan/organization, and spiritual functioning. The key fit indices met the recommended thresholds (chi-square < 0.05, RMSEA < 0.05, p-value RMSEA > 0.05, CFI/TLI > 0.8), confirming the tool's structural validity. These results establish AUFEI as a valid and reliable instrument for assessing executive function, effectively addressing the cognitive and cultural complexities of Indonesia’s diverse population.
Discussion & Conclusions
The development of the Assessment of Executive Function in the Indonesian Context (AUFEI) marks a significant advancement in culturally relevant cognitive assessment tools for Indonesia. By incorporating Indonesian-specific elements, such as spiritual functioning, the tool reflects the nation’s cultural diversity, often overlooked in Western-centric EF models. The Delphi method ensured culturally appropriate constructs and items, while confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) validated its structural reliability and psychometric robustness. These findings establish AUFEI as a reliable tool for assessing EF in Indonesian children and adolescents, with applications in educational, clinical, and research settings.
Despite its strengths, the study has limitations. The sample, drawn from the Greater Jakarta area, may not fully represent Indonesia’s cultural diversity. Future research should include broader regional samples to improve generalizability. While spiritual functioning is a key strength, exploring additional cultural dimensions could provide a more comprehensive understanding of EF in Indonesia. Further validation, such as multi-group analyses and studies linking AUFEI to real-world outcomes like academic or social functioning, would enhance its utility and impact.