The efficacy of working memory training in improving crystallized intelligence

Tracy Alloway¹ and Ross Alloway²

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1. Stirling University, Department of Psychology
2. Edinburgh University

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Document Type:

Manuscript

Date:

Received 01 September 2009 17:26 UTC; Posted 02 September 2009

Subjects:

Developmental Biology

Tags:

• Psychology
• IQ
• working memory

Abstract:

Crystallized intelligence (Gc) is thought to reflect skills acquired through knowledge and experience and is related to verbal ability, language development¹ and academic success². Gc, together with fluid intelligence (Gf), are constructs of general intelligence³. While Gc involves learning, knowledge and skills, Gf refers to our ability in tests of problem-solving, pattern matching, and reasoning. Although there is evidence that Gf can be improved through memory training in adults⁴, the efficacy of memory training in improving acquired skills, such as Gc and academic attainment, has yet to be established. Furthermore, evidence of transfer effects from gains made in the trained tasks is sparse⁵. Here we demonstrate improvements in Gc and academic attainment using working memory training. Participants in the Training group displayed superior performance in all measures of cognitive assessments post-training compared to the Control group, who received knowledge-based training. While previous studies have indicated that gains in intelligence are due to improvements in test-taking skills⁶, this study demonstrates that it is possible to improve crystallized skills through working memory training. Considering the fundamental importance of Gc in acquiring and using knowledge and its predictive power for a large variety of intellectual tasks, these findings may be highly relevant to improving educational outcomes in those who are struggling.

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This document is licensed to the public under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License

How to cite this document:

Alloway, Tracy and Alloway, Ross. The efficacy of working memory training in improving crystallized intelligence. Available from Nature Precedings <http://hdl.handle.net/10101/npre.2009.3697.1> (2009)

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