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Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment
Published on: September 20, 2020
Does working memory training work? The promise and challenges of enhancing cognition by training working memory
Alexandra B Morrison1, Jason M Chein
1Department of Psychology, Temple University, 6th floor Weiss Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA.
Psychonomic Bulletin & Review
|February 18, 2011
Summary
Working memory (WM) capacity can be improved with targeted training. Core WM training shows broader cognitive benefits, but more research is needed to confirm its value for general cognitive enhancement.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Working memory (WM) capacity is linked to higher cognitive functions.
- Previous research indicates WM capacity can be enhanced through targeted training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on working memory training.
- To detail the successes and limitations of WM training approaches.
- To explore the potential for WM training to yield broad cognitive benefits.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of working memory training studies.
- Identification and comparison of two distinct WM training approaches: strategy training and core training.
- Analysis of transfer effects to broader cognitive abilities.
Main Results:
- WM capacity increases have been demonstrated across diverse populations.
- Core WM training appears to yield more extensive transfer effects than strategy training.
- Domain-general mechanisms targeted by core training may explain broader transfer.
Conclusions:
- WM training shows promise for cognitive enhancement.
- Core WM training may offer more significant cognitive benefits due to targeting domain-general mechanisms.
- Further research is required to address limitations before widespread endorsement of WM training for cognitive enhancement.
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