PREDICTORS OF CHANGE IN SHORT-TERM MEMORY SPAN FOLLOWING WORKING MEMORY TRAINING
Journal Title: Acta Neuropsychologica - Year 2014, Vol 12, Issue 4
Abstract
Background: Computer-based working memory training exercises produce improvements in performance on ability measures that are similar to the trained tasks (near-transfer), but results have been inconsistent regarding generalization of training outcomes to other abilities and behaviors, particularly those reflecting symptoms of attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In contrast to the growing body of efficacy research in this area, almost no studies have systematically investigated characteristics of subjects that predict response to working memory training. This study is an investigation of subject characteristics that predicted change in near-transfer immediate memory span performance following working memory training. Material/Methods: Children and adolescents aged 9-16 years (N=62) with a broad range of reported symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disor-der (ADHD) completed working memory training for a 25-day period. Assessments of verbal and visual working memory span and ADHD symptoms were completed at the beginning and end of working memory training. Results: Greater improvement in working memory span from baseline to post-training was predicted by poorer memory span, more hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms, and fewer inattention symptoms at the baseline. Conclusions: For baseline memory span and hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms, study results are consistent with a remediation or rehabilitation model in which working memory training produces more near-transfer improvement for individuals who have more baseline delay or impairment. However, the opposite relationship was found for inattention, perhaps because poor attention skills interfere with the ability to actively engage in working memory training. Clinically, this information may be useful for identifying individuals who are more likely to benefit from working memory training.
Authors and Affiliations
Amber Hunt, William Kronenberger, David Dunn, Bradley Gibson, Dawn Gondoli
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP55475
- DOI -
- Views 146
- Downloads 0
CORRELATION BETWEEN THE METACOGNITIVE SELF AND SELECTED FORMS OF MUSICAL TRAINING
Background: The paper presents the concept of the metacognitive self and its correlations with selected features of musical training. Accurate insight into deviations from the rationality in one’s behaviour might be...
CORRELATION OF THE THEORY OF MIND AND THE LEVEL OF COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING IN AUTISTIC CHILDREN
[b]Introduction.[/b] A deficit in theory of mind (ToM), i.e. an inability to conceive what others may be thinking or feeling, has often been posited as an essential feature of childhood autism. Our research goal was to s...
MYSTICAL CATAPLEXY AND THE MAMMALIAN ROOTS OF AN ARCHAIC RELIGIOUS RESPONSE
The religious prostration derives from submissive behavior in animals, as pleas to God for mercy derive from the separation cry of infant animals. The neuroanatomical systems responsible for the motor routine of submissi...
ON THE MICROGENOGESIS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA
The theory of microgenesis, as described by Jason Brown and others, involves the hierarchical elaboration of the self and object world from a deep core of self, from unconsciousness to consciousnesss, through a simultane...
METHODICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL PROBLEMS IN THE STUDY OF FUNCTIONAL BRAIN ASYMMETRY IN THE MODERN NEUROPSYCHOLOGY
Diagnosis of interhemispheric asymmetry is an actual problem of modern neuropsychology. The researches show that tests meant for the diagnosis of one type of functional asymmetry often produce inconsistent results....