The study examines the genetic and environmental influences on three executive functions—response inhibition, updating working memory representations, and shifting between task sets. Using a multivariate twin design, the researchers found that these executive functions are highly correlated due to a common, highly heritable factor that goes beyond general intelligence or perceptual speed. However, they are also separable due to unique genetic influences specific to each function. This combination of general and specific genetic influences places executive functions among the most heritable psychological traits. The findings highlight the potential of genetic approaches for uncovering the biological underpinnings of executive functions and suggest the need to examine multiple types of executive functions to distinguish different levels of genetic influences.The study examines the genetic and environmental influences on three executive functions—response inhibition, updating working memory representations, and shifting between task sets. Using a multivariate twin design, the researchers found that these executive functions are highly correlated due to a common, highly heritable factor that goes beyond general intelligence or perceptual speed. However, they are also separable due to unique genetic influences specific to each function. This combination of general and specific genetic influences places executive functions among the most heritable psychological traits. The findings highlight the potential of genetic approaches for uncovering the biological underpinnings of executive functions and suggest the need to examine multiple types of executive functions to distinguish different levels of genetic influences.