Final answer:
The true statement about executive function is that it involves managing one's thoughts to engage in goal-directed behavior and to exercise self-control. Executive functions are crucial for daily activities that include working memory, decision-making, and problem-solving.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the provided options, the one that is true of executive function is:
D) It involves managing one's thoughts to engage in goal-directed behavior and to exercise self-control.
Executive function includes higher cognitive processes such as working memory, attentional control, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and problem-solving, which are necessary for managing behaviors towards achieving goals. It is essential for daily living and becomes more crucial as we navigate complex social situations, multi-task, and make decisions that require planning and resisting distractions. Additionally, while executive function tends to show declines in late adulthood due to a decrease in fluid intelligence, some factors such as aerobic exercise have been shown to improve or maintain executive functions across the lifespan.