Recursion: The Concept Recursion is used in a variety of disciplines ranging from math, to computer science to linguistics. Recursion is one of the central ideas of computer science – where a function can call itself from within its own code, allowing for very powerful computation. Recursion in computer science – as in the recursive n-back – is a method of solving a problem where the solution depends on solutions to smaller instances of the same problem. What is recursion? Recursion occurs
A case for the critical role of interference control training in n-back training games.
Here I explain how the gated dual n-back (gated DNB) innovation is a critical advance on classic dual n-back training. Warning: some of the material is quite technical. Simply read up to the ‘Summary’ section at the beginning, and then skip down to the last Exec Summary paragraph, for the basic take-home. In my dual n-back post I reviewed the evidence for the IQ augmenting benefits of dual n-back training, taking a closer look at the Johns Hopkins University DNB study published this
Summary A study published this month in the prestigious journal Intelligence has shown: Cognitive training combined with exercise results in gains in fluid intelligence (visuospatial reasoning) – a key measure of IQ. Fitness only training did not bolster fluid intelligence performance. Individuals varied in benefits to fluid intelligence from mindfulness training. The research team concluded: “Because fluid intelligence test scores predict real-world outcomes across the lifespan, boosting intelligence ability via multi-modal intervention that is effective even in young, healthy adults is a
We know from an often skeptical press that many brain training apps do not work beyond practice effects specific to the games themselves. But it’s clear from the steady stream of peer-reviewed cognitive neuroscience research that some types of brain training are effective for increasing IQ and focus (ref). So what works? What brain training has so-called far-transfer to general cognitive abilities (as opposed to ‘narrow transfer’ to highly similar tasks