Are Working Memory Training Effects Paradigm-Specific?
Open accessPublished version of a preprint
Abstract
A randomized controlled trial compared complex span and n-back training regimes to investigate the generality of training benefits across materials and paradigms. The memory items and training intensities were equated across programs, providing the first like-with-like comparison of transfer in these two widely used training paradigms. The stimuli in transfer tests of verbal and visuo-spatial n-back and complex span differed from the trained tasks, but were matched across the untrained paradigms. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three training groups: complex span training, n-back training, or no training. Pre- to- post training changes were observed for untrained n-back tasks following n-back training. Following complex span training there was equivocal evidence for improvements on a verbal complex span task, but no evidence for changes on an untrained visuo-spatial complex span activity. Relative to a no intervention group, the evidence supported no change on an untrained verbal complex span task following either n-back or complex span training. Equivocal evidence was found for improvements on visuo-spatial complex span and verbal and visuo-spatial n-back tasks following both training regimes. Evidence for selective transfer (comparing the two active training groups) was only found for an untrained visuo-spatial n-back task following n-back training. There was no evidence for cross-paradigm transfer. Thus transfer is constrained by working memory paradigm and the nature of individual processes executed within complex span tasks. However, within-paradigm transfer can occur when the change is limited to stimulus category, at least for n-back.
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Written from the paper’s full text.
TL;DR
A randomized controlled trial matched complex span and n-back training on memory items and intensity to test whether working memory training transfer is paradigm-specific. It found no cross-paradigm transfer, but n-back training transferred within paradigm to untrained n-back tasks with new stimulus materials.
Key findings
- There was no evidence for cross-paradigm transfer: complex span training did not reliably improve n-back, and n-back training did not reliably improve complex span.
- N-back training produced strong within-paradigm transfer to untrained verbal n-back (BF = 23.18/23.19) and visuo-spatial n-back (BF = 20.02) tasks.
- Selective transfer relative to the other active training group was found only for visuo-spatial n-back following n-back training (BF10 = 9.702).
- Complex span training showed equivocal evidence for verbal complex span improvement (BF = 0.58) and evidence favoring no transfer to visuo-spatial complex span (BF = 0.325/0.33); relative to no intervention, there was substantial evidence for no transfer to verbal complex span (BF = 0.291).
Methods
- Randomized controlled trial with 48 native-English-speaking adults aged 18–35 years (12 males, mean age 28 years 9 months), pseudo-randomly assigned to complex span training, n-back training, or no training (n = 16 per group), with 20 training sessions.
- Transfer tasks were verbal and visuo-spatial complex span and n-back; trained and transfer tasks were matched across paradigms but differed in stimulus category (trained letters/spatial locations vs. transfer digits/visual objects) and, for complex span, interpolated distractor activity (lexical decision/rhyme judgment; symmetry judgment/mental rotation).
- Bayesian ANOVAs, general linear regressions, and t-tests were run in JASP; BF values <0.33 were interpreted as evidence for the null, 0.33–3 as equivocal, and >3 as evidence for the alternative.
Limitations
- The paper states that the findings do not distinguish between process-specific and paradigm-specific accounts of transfer; doing so would require tracking transfer across paradigms sharing a common working memory process.
- The paper notes that the cognitive routine theory was not sufficiently specified to generate strong predictions about which levels of complex span task structure can adapt to untrained tasks.
- Evident from the text: the sample was small (N = 48) and powered only for a large effect (f2 = 0.35 or d = 0.8), the control condition was no intervention rather than an active control, and training-order effects were equivocal for several training tasks.
Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.
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Claims the paper makes
0 of 40 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged
- Findingown data
Pre- to post-training changes were observed for untrained n-back tasks following n-back training.
“Pre- to- post training changes were observed for untrained n-back tasks following n-back training.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Equivocal evidence was found for improvements on visuo-spatial n-back following complex span training.
“Equivocal evidence was found for improvements on visuo-spatial complex span and verbal and visuo-spatial n-back tasks following both training regimes.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Equivocal evidence was found for improvements on visuo-spatial n-back following n-back training.
“Equivocal evidence was found for improvements on visuo-spatial complex span and verbal and visuo-spatial n-back tasks following both training regimes.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Following complex span training, there was equivocal evidence for improvements on a verbal complex span task.
“Following complex span training there was equivocal evidence for improvements on a verbal complex span task, but no evidence for changes on an untrained visuo-spatial complex span activity.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Evidence for selective transfer, comparing the two active training groups, was only found for an untrained visuo-spatial n-back task following n-back training.
“Evidence for selective transfer (comparing the two active training groups) was only found for an untrained visuo-spatial n-back task following n-back training.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
- Findingown data
Equivocal evidence was found for improvements on visuo-spatial complex span following n-back training.
“Equivocal evidence was found for improvements on visuo-spatial complex span and verbal and visuo-spatial n-back tasks following both training regimes.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Post hoc analyses revealed that gains were greater on the verbal complex span training task relative to both the visuo-spatial complex span and the visuo-spatial n-back training tasks.
“Post hoc analyses revealed that gains were greater on the verbal complex span training task relative to both the visuo-spatial complex span and the visuo-spatial n-back training tasks.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Relative to a no intervention group, the evidence supported no change on an untrained verbal complex span task following n-back training.
“Relative to a no intervention group, the evidence supported no change on an untrained verbal complex span task following either n-back or complex span training.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Equivocal evidence was found for improvements on visuo-spatial complex span following complex span training.
“Equivocal evidence was found for improvements on visuo-spatial complex span and verbal and visuo-spatial n-back tasks following both training regimes.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
There was substantial evidence for an absence of transfer to verbal complex span following complex span training relative to the no intervention group (BF = 0.291).
“There was substantial evidence for an absence of transfer to verbal complex span following complex span training relative to the no intervention group (BF = 0.291).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
There was no evidence for cross-paradigm transfer.
“There was no evidence for cross-paradigm transfer.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
There was equivocal evidence for both null and alternative hypotheses across the four transfer tasks for the no intervention group (BFs 0.35 to 1).
“There was equivocal evidence for both the null and alternative hypotheses across the four transfer tasks for the no intervention group (BFs 0.35 as above to 1).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Following complex span training, there was no evidence for changes on an untrained visuo-spatial complex span activity.
“Following complex span training there was equivocal evidence for improvements on a verbal complex span task, but no evidence for changes on an untrained visuo-spatial complex span activity.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
There was substantial evidence for an interaction between task and session (BF10 >100).
“There was substantial evidence for an interaction between task and session, BF10 = >100.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Relative to a no intervention group, the evidence supported no change on an untrained verbal complex span task following complex span training.
“Relative to a no intervention group, the evidence supported no change on an untrained verbal complex span task following either n-back or complex span training.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Evidence favored a null effect for transfer to complex span outcome measures following n-back training (BF = 0.33 verbal, BF = 0.34 visuo-spatial).
“Evidence favored a null effect for transfer to the complex span outcome measures following n-back training (BF = 0.33 and 0.34 for verbal and visuo-spatial complex span, respectively).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Equivocal evidence was found for improvements on verbal n-back following complex span training.
“Equivocal evidence was found for improvements on visuo-spatial complex span and verbal and visuo-spatial n-back tasks following both training regimes.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Improvements of at least 1 SD from baseline were observed on all training tasks.
“Improvements of at least 1SD from baseline were observed on all training tasks.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Equivocal evidence was found for improvements on verbal n-back following n-back training.
“Equivocal evidence was found for improvements on visuo-spatial complex span and verbal and visuo-spatial n-back tasks following both training regimes.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
There was no evidence for greater gains for the complex span training group on the verbal complex span transfer task relative to the test re-test group.
“There was also no evidence for greater gains for the complex span training group on the verbal complex span transfer task relative to the test re-test group.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingnone given
Relative to a no intervention group, there was no strong evidence for benefits of n-back training for untrained n-back tasks.
“Relative to a no intervention group, there was no strong evidence for the benefits of n-back training for untrained n-back tasks.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
There was equivocal evidence for the null and alternative hypotheses for the verbal complex span transfer task when the two active training groups were compared.
“There was equivocal evidence for the null and alternative hypotheses for the verbal complex span transfer task when the two active training groups were compared.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingreasoning
In contrast to complex span training, there was substantial evidence that n-back training led to greater improvements on the visuo-spatial n-back task.
“In contrast to complex span training, there was substantial evidence that n-back training led to greater improvements on the visuo-spatial n-back task.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Evidence favored the null hypothesis for the verbal complex span transfer task (BF = 0.327), indicating changes following n-back training were no greater than for the no intervention group.
“The evidence favored the null hypothesis for the verbal complex span transfer task (BF = 0.327), indicating that the changes on this task following n-back training were no greater than for the no intervention group.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The strength of transfer from complex span training to other complex span tasks with different materials and distractor processing was more equivocal.
“The strength of transfer from complex span training to other complex span tasks with different materials and distractor processing was more equivocal.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
There was substantial evidence for the null hypothesis for the visuo-spatial complex span task, showing changes on this transfer measure were not selective to the complex span training group (BF = 0.287).
“There was substantial evidence for the null hypothesis for the visuo-spatial complex span task showing that changes on this transfer measure were not selective to the complex span training group (BF = 0.287).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
For the visuo-spatial complex span, verbal and visuo-spatial complex transfer tasks, the outcomes were equivocal (BFs 0.377-1.21).
“For the visuo-spatial complex span, verbal and visuo-spatial complex, the outcomes were equivocal (BFs 0.377–1.21).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Performance on the untrained visuo-spatial complex span task did not improve following complex span training compared with n-back training.
“Performance on the untrained visuo-spatial complex span task did not improve following complex span compared with n-back training.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Equivocal outcomes were observed for visuo-spatial complex span and verbal and visuo-spatial n-back transfer tasks following n-back training (BFs 0.392-1.032).
“Equivocal outcomes were also observed for the visuo-spatial complex span and verbal and visuo-spatial n-back transfer tasks following n-back training (BFs 0.392–1.032).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
There was substantial evidence for a group effect for the visuo-spatial n-back transfer task, with greater gains for n-back training relative to complex span training (BF10 = 9.702).
“There was substantial evidence for a group effect for the visuo-spatial n-back transfer task, with greater gains found for those who trained on n-back relative to those who trained on complex span (BF10 = 9.702).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
There was strong evidence for substantial improvements in the two untrained n-back tasks containing digits and visual objects following training on n-back activities with spatial locations and letters.
“There was strong evidence for substantial improvements in the two untrained n-back tasks containing digits and visual objects following training on n-back activities with spatial locations and letters.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Study design and conductown data
There was evidence for baseline group differences on the verbal n-back task (BF10 = 3.811, d = 0.908).
“There was evidence for baseline group differences on the verbal n-back task, BF10 = 3.811, Cohen’s d = 0.908.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Study design and conductown data
Re-running analyses including only sessions with complete data (Session 2 to 18) did not alter the pattern of effects.
“Re-running the analyses including only sessions where there was complete data (comparing gains from Session 2 to Session 18 for all training tasks) did not alter the pattern of effects.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Premisecitation
Transfer to untrained n-back tasks following n-back training is common.
“Transfer to untrained n-back tasks following n-back training is common (e.g., Soveri et al., 2017).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Soveri et al., 2017 source
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
The evidence to date largely indicates little transfer across n-back and complex span paradigms.
“The evidence to date largely indicates little transfer across n-back and complex span paradigms.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Jaeggi et al., 2008, 2010
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Li et al., 2008
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Chooi and Thompson, 2012 source
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationown data
Within-paradigm transfer can occur when the change is limited to stimulus category, at least for n-back.
“However, within-paradigm transfer can occur when the change is limited to stimulus category, at least for n-back.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
Transfer to untrained n-back tasks following n-back training holds true when the stimulus items are either from the same or a different domain to the trained items.
“This holds true when the stimulus items are either from both the same (e.g., letters to digits) or different domain (e.g., spatial locations to digits) to the trained items (Li et al., 2008; Jaeggi et al., 2010; Anguera et al., 2012; Bürki et al., 2014; Waris et al., 2015; Küper and Karbach, 2016; Minear et al., 2016; Blacker et al., 2017).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked - Interpretationreasoning
This study is the first to compare the two training approaches while matching potentially key features for transfer across paradigms: the stimuli in the transfer tests within and across paradigm, and the duration of training of the two training regimes.
“The study is the first to compare the two training approaches while matching potentially key features for transfer across paradigms: the stimuli in the transfer tests within and across paradigm, and the duration of training of the two training regimes.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
This study provides the first like-with-like comparison of transfer in the complex span and n-back training paradigms.
“The memory items and training intensities were equated across programs, providing the first like-with-like comparison of transfer in these two widely used training paradigms.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
Significant transfer has been reported across the majority of complex span training studies that changed both storage items and distractor activity between trained and untrained tasks.
“Significant transfer has been reported across the majority of these studies (Harrison et al., 2013; Henry et al., 2014; Richmond et al., 2014).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked - Premisecitation
Research investigating transfer within and across working memory paradigms following training has largely concluded that transfer is confined to untrained working memory tests that are highly similar to the trained activities.
“Research investigating transfer within and across working memory paradigms following training has largely concluded that transfer is confined to untrained working memory tests that are highly similar to the trained activities (e.g., Harrison et al., 2013; Sprenger et al., 2013; von Bastian et al., 2013; Minear et al., 2016; Blacker et al., 2017; Soveri et al., 2017).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked - Premisecitation
von Bastian et al. (2013) failed to find transfer to a letter n-back task following training on a verbal complex span task.
“von Bastian et al. (2013) failed to find transfer to a letter n-back task following training on a verbal complex span task.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites von Bastian et al. (2013)
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
Blacker et al. (2017) found that training on a symmetry span task did not improve performance on an object n-back task.
“Blacker et al. (2017) found that training on a symmetry span task did not improve performance on an object n-back task.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Blacker et al. (2017) source
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisenone given
Only three studies have tested transfer from complex span training to n-back.
“Only three studies have tested transfer from complex span training to n-back.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked - Interpretationreasoning
Any potential learning of the unfamiliar task during complex span training appears to be highly specific.
“Any potential learning of the unfamiliar task during complex span training thus appears to be highly specific.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
For complex working memory tasks, transfer is much more restricted.
“For complex working memory tasks transfer is much more restricted.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationcitation
The findings fit with the proposal that training involves developing novel cognitive routines that coordinate component processes required for specific working memory tasks.
“The findings also fit with the proposal that training involves developing novel cognitive routines that coordinate the component processes required to perform specific working memory tasks (Gathercole et al., 2019).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Gathercole et al., 2019 source
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationcitation
Updating the contents of working memory would not be expected to contribute to non-updating paradigms such as complex span.
“This process would not be expected to contribute to non-updating paradigms such as complex span.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
It is not possible to determine whether there is a selective enhancement to verbal n-back following n-back training.
“It is therefore not possible to determine whether there is a selective enhancement to verbal n-back following n-back training.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
Training-related changes appear to operate at a more general level than item-level category.
“Rather, training-related changes appear to operate at a more general level than item-level category.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
The lack of cross-paradigm transfer is consistent with theories that explain training gains in terms of working memory processes specific to particular paradigms.
“The lack of cross-paradigm transfer is consistent with theories that explain training gains in terms of working memory processes specific to particular paradigms.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked - Interpretationreasoning
The application of cognitive routines developed during training may operate at a relatively general level not tied to specific categories of memory items when only memory items are altered between training and transfer, as in n-back.
“Together these findings suggest that the application of cognitive routines developed during the course of training (Gathercole et al., 2019) may operate at a relatively general level that is not tied to processes specific to particular categories of memory items when these are the only features altered between training and transfer, as in the case of n-back.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Gathercole et al., 2019 source
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationcitation
There was evidence suggesting n-back training transfers to n-back tasks with new stimulus materials.
“In line with previous findings, there was evidence suggesting n-back training transfers to n-back tasks with new stimulus materials (Jaeggi et al., 2010; Anguera et al., 2012; Küper and Karbach, 2016; Minear et al., 2016; Soveri et al., 2017).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked - Interpretationown data
The present findings do not distinguish between the process-based and paradigm-based accounts of limited transfer.
“Note, though, that the present findings do not distinguish between these two alternative accounts, which claim that transfer is limited either by process (Dahlin et al., 2008) and paradigm Gathercole et al. (2019).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked - Interpretationreasoning
Participants receiving complex span training appeared to learn how to protect memory representations in the context of the specific trained tasks.
“Instead, they appeared to learn how to do so in the context of the specific trained tasks.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
There is no selective transfer for verbal complex span following complex span training.
“Combined with the outcome of the analyses comparing the complex span training group to the no intervention group on the verbal complex span transfer task (BF = 0.291), this provides evidence that there is no selective transfer for verbal complex span following complex span training.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
In this case, routines do not generalize across changes in materials.
“In this case, routines do not generalize across changes in materials.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
Using the same material is not a boundary condition to transfer with n-back training.
“These findings indicate that using the same material is not a boundary condition to transfer with n-back training.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
The cognitive processes modified during complex span training are tied to the training task materials (memory items or distractor stimuli).
“This suggests that the cognitive processes modified during training on complex span are tied to the training task materials (either the memory items or the distractor stimuli).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
There was no evidence for transfer across the two working memory training paradigms under these matched conditions.
“There was no evidence for transfer across the two paradigms under these matched conditions.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
These findings help to explain the absence of transfer to improvements in everyday functioning.
“These findings help to explain the absence of transfer to improvements in everyday functioning.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
Application of cognitive routines is constrained when a sub-routine controlling the specific interpolated activity also differs between training and transfer tests.
“However, their application is constrained when a sub-routine (e.g., a process controlling the specific interpolated activity within complex span) also differs between training and transfer tests.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
There is little evidence that participants receiving complex span training learned at a general level how to carry out attentional shifting or other processes to protect memory representations from interference.
“There is little evidence that participants receiving complex span training in this experiment have learned at a general level how to carry out the attentional shifting or other types of processes to protect memory representations from interference.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
- May combine two claims. 24
- Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 19
May combine two claims.
Findingown dataThere was equivocal evidence for order effects on gains for the verbal complex span (BF10 = 2.458) and visuo-spatial complex span (BF10 = 1.478) training tasks.
“There was equivocal evidence for order effects for gains on the verbal complex span, BF10 = 2.458 and the visuo-spatial complex span training tasks, BF10 = 1.478.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
Findingown dataThere was equivocal evidence for an order effect for the verbal n-back (BF10 = 2.435) and visuo-spatial n-back (BF10 = 0.48) training tasks.
“There was equivocal evidence for an order effect for the verbal n-back, BF10 = 2.435 and the visuo-spatial n-back training tasks, BF10 = 0.48.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataThere was strong evidence for transfer for the n-back training group on both verbal (BF = 23.18) and visuo-spatial (BF = 20.02) n-back transfer tasks.
“There was strong evidence for transfer for the n-back training group on both the verbal and visuo-spatial n-back transfer tasks (BF = 23.18 for verbal and BF = 20.02 for visuo-spatial n-back transfer tasks).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataA 4×19 Bayesian repeated measures ANOVA with session (2-20) and training task (four training tasks) provided evidence for main effects of session (BF10 >100) and condition (BF10 >100).
“A 4 × 19 Bayesian repeated measures ANOVA with session (2–20) and training task (four training tasks) provided evidence for main effects of session, BF10 = >100 and condition BF10 = >100.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataFollowing complex span training, there was equivocal evidence for transfer to verbal complex span, verbal n-back, and visuo-spatial n-back, and evidence favoring a null effect for transfer to visuo-spatial complex span (BF = 0.325).
“There was equivocal evidence for transfer to verbal complex span, verbal n-back and visuo-spatial n-back following complex span training, with evidence favoring a null effect for transfer to visuo-spatial complex span following complex span training (BF = 0.325).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataEvidence for differences in transfer on the verbal n-back transfer task between n-back and complex span training groups was equivocal (BF = 0.542), as were differences between n-back and no intervention groups.
“Evidence for differences in transfer on the verbal n-back transfer task between the n-back and complex span training groups was equivocal (BF = 0.542), as for equivocal differences between the n-back and no intervention groups on this transfer measure.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Interpretationown dataTransfer is constrained by working memory paradigm and the nature of individual processes executed within complex span tasks.
“Thus transfer is constrained by working memory paradigm and the nature of individual processes executed within complex span tasks.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimClassified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.
Study design and conductnone givenThe stimuli in transfer tests of verbal and visuo-spatial n-back and complex span differed from the trained tasks but were matched across the untrained paradigms.
“The stimuli in transfer tests of verbal and visuo-spatial n-back and complex span differed from the trained tasks, but were matched across the untrained paradigms.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimClassified as probably not a substantial claim.
InterpretationreasoningHolding the matched features constant provides a direct test of whether paradigm is the critical factor constraining transfer.
“Holding these features constant provides a direct test of whether paradigm is the critical factor constraining transfer.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).
PremisecitationIn its present form the cognitive routine theory is not sufficiently well specified to generate strong predictions about the levels of task structure in a complex span routine that can and cannot be adapted to an untrained task and hence to generate transfer.
“In its present form the cognitive routine theory (Gathercole et al., 2019) is not sufficiently well specified to generate strong predictions about the levels of task structure in a complex span routine that can and cannot be adapted to an untrained task and hence to generate transfer.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Gathercole et al., 2019 source
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductown dataSession 1 was not included in training gain analyses because participants were reaching baseline during this session.
“Note that Session 1 was not included as participants were reaching baseline during this session.”
- Also stated in: § Training Task Progress · plain
“Note that Data for Session 1 is not included because participants were reaching baseline during this session.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Also stated in: § Training Task Progress · plain
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductreasoningData failed to upload for the final two sessions for eight participants (five in complex span training, three in n-back training) due to the server failing to respond.
“All participants completed 20 training sessions, but the data failed to upload for the final two sessions for five participants in the complex span training group.”
- Also stated in: § Procedure · plain
“Data failed to upload for the final two sessions for three participants on the n-back training tasks.”
- Also stated in: § Training Task Progress · plain
“NB although all participants completed 20 sessions, the data did not upload for the final two sessions for 8 participants due to the server failing to respond.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Also stated in: § Procedure · plain
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
Study design and conductnone givenTarget recruitment was 16 participants per group (total N = 48), yielding power of 0.86 to detect a large effect size, f2 = 0.35 or Cohen's d = 0.8, with linear regression.
“Target recruitment was 16 participants per group (total N = 48), yielding power of 0.86 to detect a large effect size, f2 = 0.35 or Cohen’s d = 0.8, with linear regression.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
PremisecitationMinear et al. (2016) reported transfer to an object n-back task but not to a letter n-back task following training on a verbal complex span task.
“Minear et al. (2016) reported transfer to an object n-back task but not to a letter n-back task following training on a verbal complex span task.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Minear et al. (2016) source
Not checked in the free run.
Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
PremisecitationPrevious evidence has pointed to transfer across tasks sharing only the paradigm and not either the stimuli or distractor activity.
“Previous evidence has pointed to transfer across tasks sharing only the paradigm and not either the stimuli or distractor activity (Harrison et al., 2013; von Bastian et al., 2013; Henry et al., 2014; Richmond et al., 2014; Minear et al., 2016).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checkedClassified as probably not a substantial claim.
Study design and conductnone givenThe complex span training tasks had the same task structure as the transfer tasks, with storage items interpolated with a same-domain processing task.
“The training tasks had the same task structure as the transfer tasks with storage items interpolated with a same-domain processing task.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductown dataThere was substantial evidence for a null effect for differences in the intervals between Time 1 and Time 2 between groups (BF10 = 0.185).
“There was substantial evidence for a null effect for differences in the intervals between Time 1 and Time 2 between groups, BF10 = 0.185: Complex span training, M = 60.31, SD = 26.95 days; n-back training, M = 62.25, SD = 29.39 days; no training, M = 66.50, SD = 22.98 days.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Study design and conductnone givenThe memory items and training intensities were equated across the complex span and n-back training programs.
“The memory items and training intensities were equated across programs, providing the first like-with-like comparison of transfer in these two widely used training paradigms.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Study design and conductown dataThere was equivocal evidence for group differences at baseline on verbal complex span (BF10 = 0.478, d = 0.530), visuo-spatial complex span (BF10 = 0.782, d = 0.639), and visuo-spatial n-back (BF10 = 1.176).
“There was equivocal evidence for group differences at baseline on the verbal complex span, BF10 = 0.478, Cohen’s d = 0.530, visuo-spatial complex span, BF10 = 0.782, Cohen’s d = 0.639, and visuo-spatial n-back tasks, BF10 = 1.176.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimClassified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.
Study design and conductown dataParticipants were assigned to one of three training groups (complex span training, n-back training, or no training) using stratified randomization to match groups at baseline on age and gender.
“Participants were randomly assigned to one of three training groups: complex span training, n-back training, or no training.”
- Also stated in: § Procedure · plain
“Participants were pseudo-randomly assigned to complex span training, n-back training or no training at recruitment (n = 16 per group). Stratified randomization was used to ensure the groups were matched at baseline in terms of age and gender: Complex span Mage = 31.61 (7.27), males n = 4; n-back Mage = 26.97 (6.08), males n = 3; no training Mage = 27.75 (7.40), males n = 5.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Also stated in: § Procedure · plain
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
Study design and conductnone givenData were excluded for eight participants who failed to complete all training sessions and four participants who did not attend for the Time 2 assessment.
“Data were excluded for eight participants who failed to complete all training sessions and four participants who did not attend for the Time 2 assessment.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimClassified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.
Study design and conductnone givenThe n-back training tasks differed from the transfer tasks only in the stimuli; all other features including the presentation rate of the stimuli were the same as in the transfer tasks.
“The n-back training tasks differed from the transfer tasks only in the stimuli – all other features including the presentation rate of the stimuli were the same as in the transfer tasks.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductnone givenTraining task order was counterbalanced across participants, with half completing the verbal then visuo-spatial task and half completing the visuo-spatial then verbal task in each session.
“Training task order was counterbalanced across participants with half of the participants completing the verbal then the visuo-spatial task in each session, and half completing the visuo-spatial then the verbal task in each session.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
Study design and conductown dataProduct terms were not significantly associated with post-training scores, so final GLMs were run without product terms or centered scores.
“The product terms were not significantly associated with post-training scores, meaning the GLMs could be run without the product term or centered scores in the final analyses (i.e., with post-training scores as the dependent variable and group and pre-training scores as independent variables).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Interpretationown dataThe present findings suggest that a sub-routine controlling the process is likely specific to the particular memory items and distractor activities engaged by the training task, not operating at a more general level.
“The present findings suggest that a sub-routine that controls such a process is likely to be specific the particular memory items and distractor activities engaged by the training task: it does not operate at a more general level that would generalize across these changes in materials.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductnone givenEthical approval was obtained from the University of Cambridge's Psychology Research Ethics Committee (PRE.2012.86).
“Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Cambridge’s Psychology Research Ethics Committee (PRE.2012.86).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Study design and conductnone givenThe two training paradigms (n-back and complex span) were matched for memory items (letters and spatial locations) and training intensity, and outcome measures were matched for memory items (digits and objects).
“This training study compared transfer patterns from two working memory training paradigms (n-back and complex span) matched for memory items (letters and spatial locations) and training intensity to outcome measures that were also matched for memory items (digits and objects).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Interpretationown dataThe coordinated processes necessary for n-back and complex span have little in common beyond maintaining recent information under distraction, and hence show little transfer.
“Other than a common broad requirement to maintain recent information under conditions of distraction, the coordinated set of processes necessary to accomplish n-back (in which the greatest challenge is to keep track of the last n items) and complex span (requiring maintenance of stimulus items in the face of distraction) have little in common and hence, as indeed found here, show little transfer.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductown dataParticipants provided informed consent prior to participation.
“Participants were recruited through the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit research participation system and provided informed consent prior to participation.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Interpretationown dataTransfer does not extend across global changes in working memory paradigm and is even limited within task.
“The data clearly establish that transfer does not extend across global changes in working memory paradigm and is even limited within task.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
InterpretationcitationThe present findings add to evidence for lack of transfer across complex span tasks and contrast with reports of transfer across different memory items and distraction activities.
“The present findings both add to other evidence for lack of transfer across complex span tasks (Minear et al., 2016; Blacker et al., 2017) and stand in contrast to other reports of transfer across different memory items and interpolated distraction activities (e.g., Harrison et al., 2013; von Bastian et al., 2013; Henry et al., 2014; Richmond et al., 2014).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checkedMay combine two claims.
Interpretationown dataBenefits of training extended to n-back tasks employing novel stimuli, indicating that for these tasks material specificity is not a boundary condition for transfer.
“The benefits of training extended to n-back tasks employing novel stimuli, indicating that for these tasks material specificity is not a boundary condition for transfer.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimClassified as probably not a substantial claim.
PremisecitationDahlin et al. (2008) proposed that updating the contents of working memory is trainable.
“Dahlin et al. (2008), for example, proposed that updating the contents of working memory is trainable.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Dahlin et al., 2008 source
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
InterpretationcitationThe finding of no evidence for cross-paradigm transfer is consistent with many previous studies using less systematic designs.
“This is consistent with many previous studies in which less systematic designs have been used to map transfer (Jaeggi et al., 2008, 2010; Li et al., 2008; Chooi and Thompson, 2012; Lilienthal et al., 2013; Oelhafen et al., 2013; Redick et al., 2013; Sprenger et al., 2013; von Bastian et al., 2013; Bürki et al., 2014; Minear et al., 2016; Schwarb et al., 2016).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Jaeggi et al., 2008, 2010
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Li et al., 2008
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Chooi and Thompson, 2012 source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationDahlin et al. (2008) found improvements in the untrained task but lacked an active control condition.
“Although Dahlin et al. (2008) did this and found improvements in the untrained task, the study lacked an active control condition.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Dahlin et al., 2008 source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
Interpretationown dataThe cognitive changes resulting from intensive working memory training are relatively specific not only to the training paradigms but, in the case of complex span, to the particular distractor activities.
“In summary, the current findings provide evidence that the cognitive changes resulting from intensive working memory training are relatively specific not only to the training paradigms but, in the case of complex span, to the particular distractor activities.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
The paper relies on this without support.
The transfer tasks within and across paradigms are equally sensitive to training-related change.
“Holding these features constant provides a direct test of whether paradigm is the critical factor constraining transfer.”
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
As transfer effects within and between cognitive domains were shown to be of equivalent magnitude when comparing different WM training paradigms, it is reasonable to assume that our results are generalizable to other WM training paradigms.
“As transfer effects within and between cognitive domains were shown to be of equivalent magnitude when comparing different WM training paradigms (e.g., n-back training and complex span training) [81], it is reasonable to assume that our results are generalizable to other WM training paradigms.”
From Adaptive working memory training does not produce transfer effects in cognition and neuroimaging (2022) · cites this paper as [81]
The Results > Transfer (page unavailable) report strong evidence of transfer to verbal and visuo-spatial n-back tasks after n-back training, but not comparable evidence of transfer after complex-span training. The Discussion (page unavailable) describes within-paradigm transfer to n-back but not complex span, and no cross-paradigm transfer. These findings contradict the attributed claim that transfer effects were equivalent across the training paradigms. (LLM, conf=0.88)
Checked by a reasoning model — may be wrong.
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.
BF = 0.34 is classified as favoring the null despite the stated cutoff
MinorThe results say BF = 0.34 favors a null effect, but the analysis plan places values from 0.33 to 3 in its equivocal category.
“Evidence favored a null effect for transfer to the complex span outcome measures following n-back training (BF = 0.33 and 0.34 for verbal and visuo-spatial complex span, respectively).”
“Values lower than 0.33 provide evidence for the null hypothesis (no training or transfer), values 0.33–3 provide equivocal evidence for both hypotheses, and those higher than 3 provide evidence in favor of the alternative hypothesis (training and transfer effects).”
Selective-transfer Bayes factor differs from Table 5
MinorThe text reports BF = 0.287 for the visuo-spatial complex span comparison, whereas Table 5 reports 0.242 for that comparison.
“There was substantial evidence for the null hypothesis for the visuo-spatial complex span task showing that changes on this transfer measure were not selective to the complex span training group (BF = 0.287).”
“| | Visuo-spatial | Complex span | -0.031 | -0.251 | 0.242 | 0.031 |”
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Hong, Y., & Zhou, R. (2025) · Biological Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.biopsycho.2025.109140 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
León-Correa, E., Ruhnau, P., Balani, A. B., Qureshi, A., Tse, D., & Makris, S. (2026) · Cognitive Affective & Behavioral Neuroscience · doi:10.3758/s13415-026-01408-2 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
The Future of Research on Social Interaction
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- Authors
- Holmes, J., Woolgar, F., Hampshire, A., & Gathercole, S. E.
- Affiliations
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit (GB)
- Imperial College London (GB)
- Corresponding author
- Holmes, Joni
- Venue
- Frontiers in Psychology
- Publisher
- Frontiers Media SA
- Published
- 2019-05-24
- Volume
- 10
- Pages
- 1103-1103
- ISSN
- 1664-1078 (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC6542987
- OpenAlex
- W2952681786
- Semantic Scholar
- a5b3271f0ffde24db44ac420d1e64cada053ff17
- Cited by
- 55
- References
- 36
- Citations by year
- 2026: 7 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 10 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 3 · 2021: 11 · 2020: 8 · 2019: 5
- FWCI
- 7.96
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Frontiers in Psychology (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) (acceptedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- UEA Digital Repository (University of East Anglia) (acceptedVersion)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
- UEA Digital Repository (University of East Anglia) (submittedVersion)
- Apollo (University of Cambridge) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
- Apollo (cc-by)
- Funders
- Medical Research Council
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Abilities and Testing
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Functions and Memory
- Physical Sciences › Mathematics › Statistics and Probability › Cognitive and developmental aspects of mathematical skills
- Keywords
- working memory training, complex span, N-back, transfer of training, selective transfer, verbal working memory, visuospatial working memory, stimulus category
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