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Working Memory Interventions

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In Buschkuehl et al. (2010), they provided a brief overview of studies that researched whether or not cognitive tasks (interventions) are effective training regimes that improve intelligence. The studies reviewed were divided into studies that used intervention approaches focused on the training of working memory (WM) and executive functions and studies which researched other approaches of intervention. Although there has been growing evidence that revealed an improvement of intelligence after some sort of intervention, there are still many unknown variables that may account for this improvement. Thus, the processes that underlie these interventions for improvement of intelligence need to be further researched in order to gain a better understanding…show more content…
For instance, as cited by the Buschkuehl article, Basak et al. (2008) investigated the impact of video games on intelligence and showed an improvement of intelligence amongst healthy 19 year old adults. As cited by Buschkuehl article, Tranter et al. (2008) and Stine-Morrow et al. (2008) both challenged older participants to perform problem-solving activities and also showed improvements of intelligence. These studies showed a positive impact of working memory training programs which showed an improvement in intelligence in the elderly. However, the Buschkuehl article also questioned the effectiveness of such programs which have provided little evidence on the scope of improvement of intelligence. This also raised the question on the long term effects of these interventions and revealed that they need to be further researched in order to gain a better understanding of how long the improvements can be “prolonged” and whether or not some of these interventions may be beneficial in order to maintain…show more content…
(2010) and Melby-Lervag et al. (2012) both researched the effectiveness working memory training programs as treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other cognitive disorders in children which also helped improve cognitive abilities in developing children and healthy adults. The Buschkuehl article gave a more general overview of the studies’ procedures by providing a gist of the studies and whether or not they showed a significant improvement of intelligence through the use of working memory training programs . Both articles also took note of the issues with the lack of use of a consistent methodological criteria used to accurately measure the effectiveness cognitive performance training programs. The Melby-Lervag article was more specific in terms of providing more information on the theoretical issues on the capacity of training working memory, giving more examples on the variety of working memory programs available, provided more details in terms of its meta-analytic procedure, and discussed in more detail the effects of working memory training on verbal and visuospatial working memory and their long-term training
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