N-Back Task Training Helps to Improve Post-error Performance.

Qing Li,Antao Chen,Na Hu,Yancheng Tang,Quanshan Long

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00370

Abstract

Improved performance on working memory (WM) through training has been widely expected to transfer to other domains. Recent studies have proposed that WM training could enhance the autonomous coordination of WM processes. Based on the shared processes between WM and error processing, our present study explored the transfer effect of 15 days of training on post-error performance, during the n-back task, compared to a simple visual search task. Participants were randomly assigned to either the training (N = 22) or control (N = 18) group. We found that WM training successfully improved WM performance. After training, compared with the control group, the training group showed a significant reduction in post-error slowing (PES); however, post-error accuracy and the flanker effect were not modulated by WM training. Moreover, we observed a significant, negative correlation between the changes in PES and WM from pretest to posttest and classified two groups based on these changes in PES with 70% accuracy. Thus, in our present sample, WM training improved post-error performance. We propose that the skill of controlling information flow, developed during WM training, is transferable to other tasks and discuss the implications of current findings for understanding the generation of PES.

Highlights

By temporarily storing and manipulating information, working memory (WM) is critical to numerous aspects of cognition (Baddeley, 1986)
The results of the stepwise regression analysis showed that the changes in WM were the only variable that could enter the regression model, which accounted for 25.5% variance of the changes in post-error slowing (PES) [F(1,21) = 8.17, p = 0.01]
With an active control group as a strict contrast, the present study investigated whether the improvements elicited by WM training transferred to post-error performance

Summary

Introduction

By temporarily storing and manipulating information, working memory (WM) is critical to numerous aspects of cognition (Baddeley, 1986). The processes involved in the transfer tasks adopted by previous studies are quite different, which may be critical to determine the transfer effect. Additional studies have proposed that WM training enhances WM processes, such as updating and inhibition, and that when trained and untrained tasks share these processes, transfer across two tasks may occur (Dahlin et al, 2008; Minear et al, 2016; Soveri et al, 2017). Chein and Morrison (2010) found that complex WM training benefits could be generalized to performance on the Stroop task, a common cognitive control task (Stroop, 1935), which enhances both rehearsal in the WM task and the selection of the ink color in Stroop by increasing the Cognitive Training Improves Post-error Performance shared process of proactive (executive). Sufficient training may lead to the autonomous coordination of these processes and once established, performance on similar tasks may improve, indicating a transfer effect

Methods

Results

Conclusion