higher animals, including humans use their brain to control their behavior. the cognitive processes they use are known as executive functions (also called cognitive control): they are used to choose what to do and what to control, and whether the chosen goals have been achieved. some executive functions are basic cognitive processes such as attentional control, cognitive inhibition, inhibitory control, working memory and cognitive flexibility. higher-order executive functions require the use of several basic executive functions and include planning and fluid intelligence (for example reasoning and problem-solving).