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
Glad we could come to a working agreement.
I think if there is any limiting pathways it would be firing rates of neurons and the energy they require to do so.
Creatine, coq10, ALCAR are all nootropic supplements suposedly meant to aid cognition off the back of more mental energy.
The brain named the brain. Do our brains want to be called brains? Idk
u/MisterYouAreSoDumb · Ceretropic
Agreed. I think ATP transport and synthesis is the limiting factor.
The naming of the brain is fairly subjective, as different languages call it different things. However, the way we interpret mathematics, or design computer systems, is fairly universal. I know people talk about mathematics and physics as laws. However, aren't they just another form of language that defines how our brains interpret the world around us? This is more of an existential thought than anything else.