title: How to build better memory training games.
abstract: Can we create engaging training programs that improve working memory (WM) skills? While there are numerous procedures that attempt to do so, there is a great deal of controversy regarding their efficacy. Nonetheless, recent meta-analytic evidence shows consistent improvements across studies on lab-based tasks generalizing beyond the specific training effects (Au et al., 2014; Karbach and Verhaeghen, 2014), however, there is little research into how WM training aids participants in their daily life. Here we propose that incorporating design principles from the fields of Perceptual Learning (PL) and Computer Science might augment the efficacy of WM training, and ultimately lead to greater learning and transfer. In particular, the field of PL has identified numerous mechanisms (including attention, reinforcement, multisensory facilitation and multi-stimulus training) that promote brain plasticity. Also, computer science has made great progress in the scientific approach to game design that can be used to create engaging environments for learning. We suggest that approaches integrating knowledge across these fields may lead to a more effective WM interventions and better reflect real world conditions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside Riverside, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Jenni
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Deveau
authors.affiliation: School of Education, University of California, Irvine Irvine, CA, USA ; Department of Cognitive Sciences, University of California, Irvine Irvine, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Susanne M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Jaeggi
authors.affiliation: Department of Computer Science, University of California, Riverside Riverside, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Victor
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Zordan
authors.affiliation: Department of Computer Science, University of California, Riverside Riverside, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Calvin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Phung
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside Riverside, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Aaron R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Seitz
keywords: brain training; game design; perceptual learning; video games; working memory