Targeting the Three Stages of Retrieval from Secondary Memory in a Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Working Memory Training Study

Abstract

Working memory (WM) is the ability to temporarily store and retrieve a limited amount of information during complex cognitive activities, especially in the face of distraction. The dual-component model describes WM as including active maintenance in primary memory (PM) and cuedependent search and retrieval from secondary memory (SM). Previously, researchers have found that WM training (WMT) fails to enhance SM capacity, a component that mediates the relationship between WM and fluid reasoning (gF). Thus, a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial was conducted to elucidate whether retrieval from SM could be targeted using a two-component WMT regimen versus two control conditions: adaptive one-component WMT targeting solely PM capacity and non-adaptive one-component WMT. Participants were 174 adolescents, aged 10 to 13 years, who were assessed before, after, and 6 months following training. Retrieval from SM was measured using delayed free recall tasks, far transfer to gF was assessed with matrix reasoning and verbal inference tests, and far transfer to academic performance was assessed with reading and math tests. It was predicted that solely two-component WMT would enhance retrieval from SM and result in far transfer. ANCOVAs with pre-test scores as the covariate indicated that two-component participants increased total errors over controls. There were no significant differences between the groups on recall latency, total correct, or gF measures. The non-adaptive one-component group significantly improved on reading, although a drop in the other two groups drove the effect. Additional research is needed to elucidate whether theoretically motivated WMT can positively impact higher-level cognition through SM retrieval mechanisms. Keywords Working memory . Working memory training . Secondary memoryWorking memory (WM) is a multifaceted cognitive ability that allows for the temporary storage and retrieval of a limited amount of goal-relevant information during complex cognitive activities, especially in the face of distraction (Kane and Engle 2002;Unsworth and Engle 2007a). As a construct, WM has taken a core role in modern theories of cognition because it strongly relates to our ability to solve novel complex problems and adapt to new situations in daily life (i.e., fluid reasoning (gF)) (Carpenter et al. 1990;Cattell 1943;de Abreu et al. 2010;Engle et al. 1999;Kane et al. 2005). Furthermore, WM capacity is predictive of a variety of higher-order abilities including performance on verbal and mathematical aptitude tests in children (Cowan et al. 2005;Gathercole and Pickering 2000) and adults (Cowan et al. 2005;Daneman and Carpenter 1980;Turner and Engle 1989). Working Memory Training BackgroundGiven the crucial role WM plays in everyday functioning, there has been increased interest in whether it can be enhanced by computerized WM training (WMT). Often such training paradigms include participants practicing on simple span, complex span, or n-back tasks that adapt in difficulty and therefore push...

The visual memory development technique: A remedial and pre-reading activity to enhance EFL learners’ motivation

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Working memory updating and binding training: Bayesian evidence supporting the absence of transfer.

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A Systematic Literature Review of the Impact of Cognitive Stimulation Programs on Reading Skills in Children Aged between 6 and 12 Years Old

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