Abstract
In the last decade, working memory (WM) training has become one of the most intensively studied approaches in cognitive training research. Nevertheless, the systematic study of the transfer mechanisms that influence WM training outcome is still a relatively new approach despite its potential to stabilize training outcome. In this study, we introduce the beneficial effect of lower reaction time variability (RTV) during cognitive training on the effectiveness of the training. The aim of the present study was to investigate this mechanism by comparing the effects of traditional visual n-back training to those of an adapted consistency n-back training designed to reduce RTV. The consistency n-back training included direct reaction time feedback and an adaptive reaction time boundary system to elicit constant reaction time and thus increased attentional control during training. Seventy-seven participants (mean age 22.6 years) were randomly assigned to the two training groups and compared to a passive control group. In line with our theoretical assumptions, the enriched training demands of the consistency n-back task converted into higher near transfer on test versions of both training tasks and higher transfer on a structurally different and more complex WM task. More detailed results indicated that the traditional n-back training task promotes task-structure-dependent strategy acquisition (preventing far transfer), whereas the consistency n-back training promotes a less task-specific increase in WM efficiency. We discuss these two transfer mechanisms and conclude that low RTV during training increases transfer by enhancing the involvement of attentional control processes during training.
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Hogrefe, A.B., Studer-Luethi, B., Kodzhabashev, S. et al. Mechanisms Underlying N-back Training: Response Consistency During Training Influences Training Outcome. J Cogn Enhanc 1, 406–418 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41465-017-0042-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41465-017-0042-3