Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 14, 2025
07:01
Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment
Published on: September 20, 2020
4.9K
Which training methods are effective for learning new smartphone memory apps after acquired brain injury? A pilot
Diana Ramirez-Hernandez1, Dana Wong1,2,3, Tamara Ownsworth4
1Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
Neuropsychological Rehabilitation
|November 2, 2021
Summary
This study compared three smartphone app training methods for individuals with acquired brain injury. Trial and error learning (TEL) and error-based learning (EBL) showed potential for improving confidence in smartphone use.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation science
- Neuroscience
- Human-computer interaction
Background:
- Individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) often face challenges using digital assistive technologies.
- Smartphone reminder apps can aid daily functioning, but effective training methods are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of three skills training methods—trial and error learning (TEL), systematic instruction (SI), and error-based learning (EBL)—for smartphone reminder app use in ABI.
- To assess the impact of these methods on app proficiency, skill generalization, error rates, smartphone confidence, and memory complaints.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-eight participants with ABI (mean age 61.21 years, 71.1% stroke) were randomly assigned to one of three training groups.
- Training was delivered in a single two-hour session.
- Outcomes, including app proficiency, were assessed immediately post-training and at one- and six-week follow-ups.
Main Results:
- No single training method was superior for app proficiency at six weeks.
- Trial and error learning (TEL) showed higher proficiency than systematic instruction (SI) immediately post-training.
- Smartphone use confidence increased significantly after TEL and error-based learning (EBL) at six weeks, but not after SI.
- Self-reported memory complaints decreased across all groups over time.
Conclusions:
- While no method dominated app proficiency, TEL and EBL show promise in enhancing confidence for smartphone use among individuals with ABI.
- The single-session format may have limited the full benefits of systematic instruction (SI) and error-based learning (EBL).
- Future research should explore longer or adapted training protocols to maximize the potential of different learning strategies for digital skill acquisition in ABI populations.
