scholarly journals The effectiveness of working memory training – points to consider for future research

2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-50
Author(s):  
Rafal Szewczyk
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Cognitive Impairments ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Working Memory Training ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Memory Training ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Potential Sources ◽  
Strong Correlate

Abstract Working memory training (WMT) has recently become one of the most debated issues in the field of cognitive psychology. Since working memory (WM) is considered a strong correlate of IQ, numerous researchers have been trying to increase the latter by training the former. Proven effectiveness of working memory training could lead to its application in the therapy of many cognitive impairments. WMT could be also used as a tool of improving cognitive functioning of healthy subjects. However, almost every publication claiming to provide evidence for achieving one of above mentioned objectives has been criticised, mostly because of methodological shortcomings. The aim of my presentation is to extract potential sources of inconsistencies existing between the authors of meta-analysis and reviews of WMT research. For this reason I take a closer look at results and conclusions of several meta-analysis and reviews. As a result I point few indications that should be taken into consideration in future studies on WMT effectiveness.

scholarly journals Working memory training does not enhance older adults' cognitive skills: A comprehensive meta-analysis

Intelligence ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 77 ◽  
pp. 101386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Sala ◽  
N. Deniz Aksayli ◽  
K. Semir Tatlidil ◽  
Yasuyuki Gondo ◽  
Fernand Gobet
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Working Memory Training ◽  
Memory Training

[P1-600]: WORKING MEMORY TRAINING IN HEALTHY ELDERLY: A META-ANALYSIS

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (7S_Part_10) ◽  
pp. P525-P525
Author(s):  
Eva Racine ◽  
Marika Plourde ◽  
Martine Simard
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Working Memory Training ◽  
Memory Training ◽  
Healthy Elderly

scholarly journals Does Far Transfer Exist? Negative Evidence From Chess, Music, and Working Memory Training

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 515-520 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Sala ◽  
Fernand Gobet
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Music Instruction ◽  
Working Memory Training ◽  
Memory Training ◽  
Negative Evidence ◽  
Far Transfer ◽  
Meta Analyses

Chess masters and expert musicians appear to be, on average, more intelligent than the general population. Some researchers have thus claimed that playing chess or learning music enhances children’s cognitive abilities and academic attainment. We here present two meta-analyses assessing the effect of chess and music instruction on children’s cognitive and academic skills. A third meta-analysis evaluated the effects of working memory training—a cognitive skill correlated with music and chess expertise—on the same variables. The results show small to moderate effects. However, the effect sizes are inversely related to the quality of the experimental design (e.g., presence of active control groups). This pattern of results casts serious doubts on the effectiveness of chess, music, and working memory training. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings; extend the debate to other types of training such as spatial training, brain training, and video games; and conclude that far transfer of learning rarely occurs.

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