Comment · Wed, August 28, 2013 · Ceretropic
If Dual-N-Back training can truly improve working memory, why doesn't it appear to improve Gf?
Original post in this thread
[deleted] · 8 points
After perusing some of the relevant literature, it appears that the general consensus on DNB training is that it's able to increase WM (or at least some aspect of WM), but does not seem to increase fluid intelligence in young, healthy adults (although a lot more research in this area is clearly needed).
It's well established that WMC is highly correlated with Gf. I personally don't think that fluid intelligence and the capacity for learning is purely WMC, but WM certainly seems to be a large contributor to fluid intelligence. I would find it hard to believe that a significant increase in working memory, at its core, would not correspond to a significant increase in Gf.
So, why doesn't DNB appear to increase Gf, as measured by tests of "far transfer" like RAPM? Does this suggest that DNB training is only improving on a certain aspect of WM? Are DNB gains simply a product of learning/practice effects? Is WMC merely a correlate of Gf? etc.
Thoughts?
What they were answering
Direct reply to the original post — see the thread post above.
u/MisterYouAreSoDumb · Ceretropic
Working memory is simply a tool. Fluid intelligence is the operator of that tool. Getting new tools does not make the operator any more skilled. However, it allows that operator to do certain things better than he could before. Thus working memory is factor in a person's ability to successfully accomplish certain tasks, but does actually contribute to their fluid intelligence.
I know it's just an analogy, but working memory is most definitely a separate mechanism to one's fluid intelligence. This is evidenced by the fact that many brilliant minds have trouble remembering where their keys are. Honing your working memory by doing repetitive brain training is not going to suddenly make the person able to conceptualize abstract ideas. It's simply going to strengthen the low level mechanism of information storage and retrieval.