The Cognitive and Academic Benefits of Cogmed: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Cogmed Working Memory Training (CWMT) is a commercial cognitive-training program designed to foster working-memory capacity. Enhanced working-memory capacity is then supposed to increase one’s overall cognitive function and academic achievement. This meta-analysis investigates the effects of CWMT on cognitive and academic outcomes. The inclusion criteria were met by 50 studies (637 effect sizes).Highly consistent near-zero effects were estimated in far-transfer measures of cognitive ability (e.g., attention and intelligence) and academic achievement (language ability and mathematics). By contrast, slightly heterogeneous small to medium effects were observed in memory tasks (i.e., near transfer). Moderator analysis showed that this effect was weaker for near-transfer measures not directly related to the trained tasks. These results highlight that while near transfer occurs regularly, far transfer is rare or, possibly, nonexistent. Transfer thus appears to be a function of the degree of overlap between trained tasks and outcome tasks.

Executive function training in very preterm children: a randomized controlled trial

“…None of these untrained functions were improved by BrainGame Brian training either. Our results are also in line with previous meta-analyses investigating the effect of CWMT on far transfer measures in children with ADHD [41,42,73,74]. Despite the behavioral parallels between ADHD and symptoms of inattention in children born very preterm, the neurobiological underpinnings of these symptoms may actually be different.…”

“…Cogmed Working Memory Training (CWMT) is widely used in children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) [40]. It has been coined as a promising computerized EF training for attentional problems [41], although more recent studies suggest that it might not be as effective as previously thought [42]. In very preterm children, a recent randomized controlled trial showed no effects of CWMT on any outcome measure, including attentional functioning [43].…”

Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Activity during a Brain Training Game Predicts Cognitive Improvements after Four Weeks’ Brain Training Game Intervention: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Several cognitive training methods for young adults have been reported, such as working memory training [ 1 ], processing speed training [ 2 ], and a braining training game such as Brain Age [ 3 ]. A recent meta-analysis [ 4 ] and second-order-meta-analysis [ 5 ] have reported small positive effects on specific cognitive functions after cognitive training if mental processes are similar between the training task and a cognitive functions measure (near transfer). For example, working memory training has positive effects on working memory performance.…”

The Impact of Working Memory Training on Children’s Cognitive and Noncognitive Skills

“…Previous evidence suggests that WM training can improve performance on untrained WM tasks ("near-transfer effects"). However, the question of whether training-induced improvements in WM capacity lead to improvements in other important skills, such as academic and self-regulation skills ("far-transfer effects"), lacks a conclusive answer, as even meta-analyses and review studies are controversial on this point (Shipstead, Hicks and Engle 2012;Karbach and Verhaeghen 2014;Au et al 2015; Melby-Lervag, Redick and Hulme 2016;Aksayli, Sala and Gobet 2019;Sala et al 2019).…”