Naslov
Not Beyond the Trained Task: Transfer Effects of Working Memory Updating Training

Autori
Juras, Luka ; Martinčević, Marina ; Vranić, Andrea

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, sažetak, znanstveni

Skup
Working Memory Symposium 2023

Mjesto i datum
Online ; Toronto, Kanada, 21.06.2023. - 24.06.2023

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Predavanje

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
working memory, cognitive training, transfer

Sažetak
The fundamental assumption of process-based cognitive training is that training in a specific cognitive task can enhance both, targeted and related abilities. This study investigated the transfer of working memory updating (WMU) training to untrained WMU tasks and working memory capacity (WMC). Sixty-two participants, aged 49-65, were randomly assigned to either a WMU (n-back training) or an active control group (communication training). Both groups underwent a 20-session (10-week) training. In a pretest- posttest design, we administered: two WMU tasks (structurally similar, i.e. n-back task, and structurally different, i.e. memory updating, to the trained task) and a WMC task (OSPAN). Training gains were observed solely on the untrained n-back task, suggesting that the WM updating training has primarily improved the specific skills required to complete the trained task rather than enhanced WMU ability. When interpreting these results, it is important to consider different processes involved in performing these WMC tasks. While the n-back task involves information retrieval and substitution, the other structurally different WMU task involves additional transformation of information. This absence of transfer effects can be further explained by the insignificant correlation between the n-back task and OSPAN performance at the pretest. Structural exploration of various WMU tasks, as well as their stand in the overall structure of working memory are strongly advocated.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Psihologija

POVEZANOST RADA