Guye, S. and von Bastian, C.C. (2017) Working memory training in older adults: Bayesian evidence supporting the absence of transfer. Psychology and Aging, 32 (8). pp. 732-746. ISSN 0882-7974
Abstract
The question of whether working memory training leads to generalized improvements in untrained cognitive abilities is a longstanding and heatedly debated one. Previous research provides mostly ambiguous evidence regarding the presence or absence of transfer effects in older adults. Thus, to draw decisive conclusions regarding the effectiveness of working memory training interventions, methodologically sound studies with larger sample sizes are needed. In this study, we investigated whether or not a computer-based working memory training intervention induced near and far transfer in a large sample of 142 healthy older adults (65-80 years). Therefore, we randomly assigned participants to either the experimental group, which completed 25 sessions of adaptive, process-based working memory training, or to the active, adaptive visual search control group. Bayesian linear mixed-effects models were used to estimate performance improvements on the level of abilities, using multiple indicator tasks for near (working memory) and far transfer (fluid intelligence, shifting, and inhibition). Our data provided consistent evidence supporting the absence of near transfer to untrained working memory tasks and the absence of far transfer effects to all of the assessed abilities. Our results suggest that working memory training is not an effective way to improve general cognitive functioning in old age.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2017 American Psychological Association. This is an author-produced version of a paper accepted for publication in Psychology and Aging. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Keywords: | cognitive training; working memory; healthy aging; Bayesian statistics |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Science (Sheffield) > Department of Psychology (Sheffield) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 04 Oct 2017 14:27 |
Last Modified: | 19 Dec 2017 10:14 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1037/pag0000206 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | American Psychological Association |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1037/pag0000206 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:121996 |