Adaptive n-back training does not improve fluid intelligence at the construct level: Gains on individual tests suggest that training may enhance visuospatial processing

• Published in: Intelligence (Norwood) 2013-09, Vol.41 (5), p.712-727
• Main Authors: Colom, Roberto, Román, Francisco J., Abad, Francisco J., Shih, Pei Chun, Privado, Jesús, Froufe, Manuel, Escorial, Sergio, Martínez, Kenia, Burgaleta, Miguel, Quiroga, M.A., Karama, Sherif, Haier, Richard J., Thompson, Paul M., Jaeggi, Susanne M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Activity levels. Psychomotricity; Attention; Biological and medical sciences; Cognitive ability; Cognitive training; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Human; Information processing; Intelligence; Intelligence tests; Learning. Memory; Memory; Perception; Psychological aspects; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychology. Psychophysiology; Training; Vigilance. Attention. Sleep; Vision; Working memory
• ISSN: 0160-2896; 1873-7935
• DOI: 10.1016/j.intell.2013.09.002

Short-term adaptive cognitive training based on the n-back task is reported to increase scores on individual ability tests, but the key question of whether such increases generalize to the intelligence construct is not clear. Here we evaluate fluid/abstract intelligence (Gf), crystallized/verbal intelligence (Gc), working memory capacity (WMC), and attention control (ATT) using diverse measures, with equivalent versions, for estimating any changes at the construct level after training. Beginning with a sample of 169 participants, two groups of twenty-eight women each were selected and matched for their general cognitive ability scores and demographic variables. Under strict supervision in the laboratory, the training group completed an intensive adaptive training program based on the n-back task (visual, auditory, and dual versions) across twenty-four sessions distributed over twelve weeks. Results showed that this group had the expected systematic improvements in n-back performance over time; this performance systematically correlated across sessions with Gf, Gc, and WMC, but not with ATT. However, the main finding showed no significant changes in the assessed psychological constructs for the training group as compared with the control group. Nevertheless, post-hoc analyses suggested that specific tests and tasks tapping visuospatial processing might be sensitive to training. •Short-term adaptive cognitive training based on the n-back task was applied.•The psychological constructs of interest were assessed at the construct level.•Matched training and control groups were compared on these constructs.•No significant group differences were observed for any construct.•Post-hoc analyses suggested that training enhances general visuospatial processing.