Associations of computational thinking with executive functions in early childhood

Computational thinking (CT) has increasingly become an essential competency for early childhood, yet it remains unclear whether children’s CT is associated with broader aspects of cognitive development. This study employed a cross-sectional design to examine the relationships between CT and three components of executive functions (EF), inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive shifting, among 469 children aged 5–7 years. Children completed the TechCheck-K to assess CT and three Early Years Toolbox tasks to assess EF. The results indicated that CT was positively associated with inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive shifting, even after controlling for age and gender. Additionally, age moderated the association between CT and working memory, with a stronger association observed among older children. The findings from this study can contribute evidence on the cognitive correlates of CT and offer insights for early childhood CT education.