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In-home cognitive training with older married couples: individual versus collaborative learning
Jennifer A Margrett1, Sherry L Willis
1Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, USA. Jennifer.Margrett@mail.wvu.edu
Summary
Older adults can improve cognitive performance through self-guided inductive reasoning training. This study found no immediate added benefit for collaborative versus individual training in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive psychology
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Cognitive performance in older adults can be improved through formal and informal interventions.
- Previous research highlights the benefits of collaborative learning for cognitive enhancement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of an in-home inductive reasoning training program for older adults.
- To compare the effects of individual versus collaborative training on cognitive performance.
- To determine if older adults can self-administer cognitive training effectively.
Main Methods:
- A 10-session inductive reasoning training program was adapted for in-home use.
- Participants were assigned to individual training (n=30), collaborative training (n=34), or a no-treatment control group (n=34).
- Cognitive performance was assessed via pretest and post-test measures 6 weeks apart.
Main Results:
- Older adults successfully completed the self-guided training program.
- No significant differences in reasoning performance were found between the individual and collaborative training groups.
- The results suggest that self-directed training is feasible for older adults.
Conclusions:
- Inductive reasoning training can be effectively self-administered by older adults.
- The current program did not demonstrate an immediate advantage of collaborative over individual training for enhancing reasoning skills.
- Further research may explore long-term effects or adaptations for collaborative benefits.