The Goal-Control Model: An Integrated Neuropsychological Framework to Explain Impaired Performance of Everyday Activities

Objective: This review describes the relatively small body of neuropsychological and cognitive research conducted over the past 100 years focused on theoretical models explaining the neurocognitive processes that support everyday functioning and the breakdown of functional abilities in the face of neurological damage or disease. Method: The historical roots of the theories of everyday activities based on direct observation of behavior in neurology and diary reports of everyday errors in cognitive psychology are presented, followed by a review of the empirical findings and resulting theoretical conceptualizations from case studies and group studies of various clinical populations in neuropsychology. Results: We conclude with a new framework (the goal-control model) that integrates the most recent empirical findings in neuropsychology with mechanisms proposed by cognitive models. Conclusions: The goal-control model offers empirically supported solutions to understanding and predicting functioning in the real world. This new model generates testable predictions for future research and provides guidance for clinical assessment and interventions.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the relatively small body of neuropsychological and cognitive research conducted over the past 100 years focusing on theoretical models explaining the neurocognitive processes supporting everyday functioning and the breakdown of functional abilities in the face of neurological damage or disease. The goal-control model integrates the most recent empirical findings in neuropsychology with mechanisms proposed by cognitive models, providing empirically supported solutions for understanding and predicting functioning in the real world. This new model generates testable predictions for future research and provides guidance for clinical assessment and interventions.