Brain Training
Review of 2015-2020 Meta-Analyses and Randomized Controlled Trails on Brain Training for Improving Cognition
Grades of evidence ‘Evidence-based’ brain training can mean many things. Cherry picking studies to back up claims for diets, health programs, and brain training is common place. Take virtually any claim and there will be some ‘evidence’ for it. The highest grade of evidence is the meta-analyses or systematic review of randomized controlled trials, followed by randomized control studies. […]
The Gf-CODE Cognitive Training Framework
This article provides an introduction to the Gf-CODE cognitive training approach that I am adopting with my IQ Mindware apps. . It is inspired by a number of brain training studies published in late 2018 and 2019. Two of these are meta-analyses looking at all relevant studies to date. Meta-analyses enable us to draw ‘state […]
Principles of Effective Cognitive Training: Core Hubs Cognitive Training Framework
Core Hubs Cognitive Training Model The Core Hubs model depicts three overlapping ‘core hub’ functional networks – for fluid intelligence, self- regulation and incubation – distributed between the Executive (Cognitive Control) Network and the Default Mode Network as shown in these Venn diagrams. Core hubs training framework is designed for far transfer training […]
The Process Overlap Theory. A Unified Account of g and IQ Augmentation 1. General Intelligence (g) Is Not Real!
Kovacs & Conway’s (2016) Process Overlap Theory (POT) is the latest general, unified theory of intelligence based on the current body of evidence, with profound implications for cognitive training and intelligence augmentation. . It is a good starting point for understanding the nature of intelligence and the human mind more generally, and is worth reading digested content here […]
Image Streaming and Intelligence
Image Streaming and Mindfulness Meditation Image streaming = mind-wandering / spontaneous thought + metaawareness (self-awareness of our own thoughts). Image streaming is actually a type of mindfulness meditation – both open-monitoring (of spontaneous thoughts) and focused attention (ensuring that mental content is only images, not other sensations or internal content). So the benefits of image […]
Working Memory Brain Training Mechanisms
Neuroplasticity Mechanisms of Working Memory (WM) Training Transfer: How Brain Training Works Brain training neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to reorganize its structure, function and connections as a result of training. General principles Transfer can occur if the criterion and transfer tasks depend on shared networks. Working memory, attention control and fluid reasoning depend on […]
Meta-Analyses of Brain Training for Over 50s: A Review
Scientific interest in brain training designed to maintain or improve cognitive functions in the aging brain has been rapidly increasing over the last decade. Numerous studies have shown that neuroplastic change in brain connectivity and function is considerable up to very old age (1, 2, 3, 4). In this article I will be reviewing brain training for […]
Brief Review of 2015-2016 Studies on Brain Training for Depression, Anxiety and Burnout
Here I review the latest peer-reviewed studies and meta-analyses that look at the benefits of working memory and executive control brain training for depression and anxiety. For some quick definitions, working memory is our ‘mental workspace’ that stores and processes task-relevant information. It is the interface between the current focus of attention and long-term memories. Executive control is our ability to […]
Review of 2014-2015 Meta-Analyses on Working Memory Training for IQ and Working Memory
For some quick definitions, general intelligence (g) is how smart we are, a single factor underlying our general cognitive ability. Working memory is our ‘mental workspace’ that stores and processes task-relevant information. It is the interface between the current focus of attention and long-term memories. interface between the current focus of attention and long-term memories. Executive control is our […]