Cogmed working memory training: Does the evidence support the claims?

Zach Shipstead; Kenny L. Hicks; Randall W. Engle

doi:10.1016/j.jarmac.2012.06.003

Cogmed working memory training: Does the evidence support the claims?

Zach Shipstead, Kenny L. Hicks, Randall W. Engle

Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of (SSBS)

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

181 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cogmed working memory training is sold as a tool for improving cognitive abilities, such as attention and reasoning. At present, this program is marketed to schools as a means of improving underperforming students' scholastic performance, and is also available at clinical practices as a treatment for ADHD. We review research conducted with Cogmed software and highlight several concerns regarding methodology and replicability of findings. We conclude that the claims made by Cogmed are largely unsubstantiated, and recommend that future research place greater emphasis on developing theoretically motivated accounts of working memory training.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	185-193
Number of pages	9
Journal	Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition
Volume	1
Issue number	3
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jarmac.2012.06.003
State	Published - 2012

Keywords

ADHD
Attention training
Cogmed
General fluid intelligence
Working memory
Working memory training

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Applied Psychology

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10.1016/j.jarmac.2012.06.003

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title = "Cogmed working memory training: Does the evidence support the claims?",

abstract = "Cogmed working memory training is sold as a tool for improving cognitive abilities, such as attention and reasoning. At present, this program is marketed to schools as a means of improving underperforming students' scholastic performance, and is also available at clinical practices as a treatment for ADHD. We review research conducted with Cogmed software and highlight several concerns regarding methodology and replicability of findings. We conclude that the claims made by Cogmed are largely unsubstantiated, and recommend that future research place greater emphasis on developing theoretically motivated accounts of working memory training.",

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AB - Cogmed working memory training is sold as a tool for improving cognitive abilities, such as attention and reasoning. At present, this program is marketed to schools as a means of improving underperforming students' scholastic performance, and is also available at clinical practices as a treatment for ADHD. We review research conducted with Cogmed software and highlight several concerns regarding methodology and replicability of findings. We conclude that the claims made by Cogmed are largely unsubstantiated, and recommend that future research place greater emphasis on developing theoretically motivated accounts of working memory training.

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Cogmed working memory training: Does the evidence support the claims?

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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