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
ThoughtfulJoker · 2 points
I like your analogy also. But I'd wager that brilliant minds forget where their keys are due to holding too much other information in their mind rather than having a disjunction of memory and fluid intelligence. They are thinking so much that their memory is literally full. Why waste memory on keys when you just came up with a new chemical formula or some such.
u/MisterYouAreSoDumb · Ceretropic
Because keys get you to the lab to synthesize your new molecule. Or remembering to pay the electric bill means there will be power in the lab once you get there. I would argue there is most certainly a disjunction of memory and fluid intelligence in that instance.