There is no convincing evidence that working memory training is effective: A reply to Au et al. (2014) and Karbach and Verhaeghen (2014)
Journal article
Melby-Lervag, Monica and Hulme, Charles. (2016). There is no convincing evidence that working memory training is effective: A reply to Au et al. (2014) and Karbach and Verhaeghen (2014). Psychonomic Bulletin and Review. 23(1), pp. 324 - 330. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13423-015-0862-z
Authors | Melby-Lervag, Monica and Hulme, Charles |
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Abstract | The possible cognitive benefits of working memory training programs have been the subject of intense interest and controversy. Recently two meta-analyses have claimed that working memory training can be effective in enhancing cognitive skills in adulthood (Au et al. Behavioural Brain Research 228:(1) 107-115, 2014) and stemming cognitive decline in old age (Karbach & Verhaeghen Psychological Science 25:2027–2037, 2014). The current article critically evaluates these claims. We argue that these meta-analyses produce misleading results because of (1) biases in the studies included, (2) a failure to take account of baseline differences when calculating effect sizes, and (3) a failure to emphasize the difference between studies with treated versus untreated control groups. We present new meta-analyses and conclude that there is no convincing evidence that working memory training produces general cognitive benefits. |
Keywords | Cognitive training; Working memory |
Year | 2016 |
Journal | Psychonomic Bulletin and Review |
Journal citation | 23 (1), pp. 324 - 330 |
Publisher | Springer New York LLC |
ISSN | 1069-9384 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.3758/s13423-015-0862-z |
Scopus EID | 2-s2.0-84957437137 |
Page range | 324 - 330 |
Research Group | Institute for Learning Sciences and Teacher Education (ILSTE) |
Publisher's version | File Access Level Controlled |
Place of publication | United States |
https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/86042/there-is-no-convincing-evidence-that-working-memory-training-is-effective-a-reply-to-au-et-al-2014-and-karbach-and-verhaeghen-2014
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