Working Memory, Reasoning, and Task Switching Training: Transfer Effects, Limitations, and Great Expectations?

Abstract

Although some studies have shown that cognitive training can produce improvements to untrained cognitive domains (far transfer), many others fail to show these effects, especially when it comes to improving fluid intelligence. The current study was designed to overcome several limitations of previous training studies by incorporating training expectancy assessments, an active control group, and “Mind Frontiers,” a video game-based mobile program comprised of six adaptive, cognitively demanding training tasks that have been found to lead to increased scores in fluid intelligence (Gf) tests. We hypothesize that such integrated training may lead to broad improvements in cognitive abilities by targeting aspects of working memory, executive function, reasoning, and problem solving. Ninety participants completed 20 hour-and-a-half long training sessions over four to five weeks, 45 of whom played Mind Frontiers and 45 of whom completed visual search and change detection tasks (active control). After training, the Mind Frontiers group improved in working memory n-back tests, a composite measure of perceptual speed, and a composite measure of reaction time in reasoning tests. No training-related improvements were found in reasoning accuracy or other working memory tests, nor in composite measures of episodic memory, selective attention, divided attention, and multi-tasking. Perceived self-improvement in the tested abilities did not differ between groups. A general expectancy difference in problem-solving was observed between groups, but this perceived benefit did not correlate with training-related improvement. In summary, although these findings provide modest evidence regarding the efficacy of an integrated cognitive training program, more research is needed to determine the utility of Mind Frontiers as a cognitive training tool.

A Randomized Controlled ERP Study on the Effects of Multi-Domain Cognitive Training and Task Difficulty on Task Switching Performance in Older Adults

“…This result pattern corroborates and extends previous research on multi-domain cognitive training which could show beneficial transfer effects to executive functions in younger, middle-aged and older adults (e.g., Gajewski and Falkenstein, 2012; Baniqued et al, 2015; Gajewski et al, 2017). In keeping with these studies, training-related performance gains became manifest in increased response accuracy.…”

Integrated Social- and Neurocognitive Model of Physical Activity Behavior in Older Adults with Metabolic Disease

“…Potential intervention type remains a critical question. However, some success has been observed in interventions consisting of gaming (55), non-invasive brain stimulation (56), and meditation (57). Additionally, pre-interventions could also incorporate physical activity in a more structured way before tapering into an independent adherence driven model.…”

Training on Working Memory and Inhibitory Control in Young Adults

“…Results stemming from different training studies need to be carefully interpreted with special attention to methodological differences that could account for the diversity of findings. Thus, for example, training procedures targeting specific cognitive abilities (such as WM or IC) allow for more restricted attributions on training-derived transfer effects (Borella et al, 2010; Rueda et al, 2012; Jaeggi et al, 2013) than complex procedures that include multiple cognitive domains (memory, attention, IC, reasoning, etc), which seem to be less specific, and often yield more limited transfer effects (Schmiedek et al, 2010; Baniqued et al, 2014, 2015; Dovis et al, 2015; Hardy et al, 2015). Moreover, although many studies have used single training tasks (Rueda et al, 2005; Loosli et al, 2012; Carretti et al, 2013; Jaeggi et al, 2013), the potential generalization of the training might be enhanced by the use of different tasks recruiting the particular targeted process.…”