Does working memory training lead to generalized improvements in children with low working memory? A randomized controlled trial

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Dunning, D.L., Holmes, J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6821-2793 and Gathercole, S.E. (2013) Does working memory training lead to generalized improvements in children with low working memory? A randomized controlled trial. Developmental Science, 16 (6). pp. 915-925. ISSN 1363-755X

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Abstract

Children with low working memory typically make poor educational progress, and it has been speculated that difficulties in meeting the heavy working memory demands of the classroom may be a contributory factor. Intensive working memory training has been shown to boost performance on untrained memory tasks in a variety of populations. This first randomized controlled trial with low working memory children investigated whether the benefits of training extend beyond standard working memory tasks to other more complex activities typical of the classroom in which working memory plays a role, as well as to other cognitive skills and developing academic abilities. Children aged 7–9 years received either adaptive working memory training, non-adaptive working memory training with low memory loads, or no training. Adaptive training was associated with selective improvements in multiple untrained tests of working memory, with no evidence of changes in classroom analogues of activities that tax working memory, or any other cognitive assessments. Gains in verbal working memory were sustained one year after training. Thus the benefits of working memory training delivered in this way may not extend beyond structured working memory tasks.

Item Type: Article
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Psychology
UEA Research Groups: Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Groups > Cognition, Action and Perception
Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Groups > Developmental Science
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Depositing User: LivePure Connector
Date Deposited: 20 Oct 2021 03:30
Last Modified: 22 Oct 2022 15:30
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/81807
DOI: 10.1111/desc.12068

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