Comment · Thu, August 29, 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 · 1 points
I am not arguing that they are causally linked at all. I am merely arguing that brilliant thinking uses memory and brilliant minds who forget their keys forget not because of a lack of memory, but due to a usage of memory on other tasks.
If you read my other, rather large post above yours, I think you will gather my context.
u/MisterYouAreSoDumb · Ceretropic
Ohh, ok. Well I do know some brilliant people that have always been absent minded, not just when they are using memory on other tasks. I don't think we can simply write off the variances in memory storage ability on the amount of other tasks the person is doing. It plays a factor in many instances, though.