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- Sandberg, Petra, Filosofie doktor, 1979-, et al.
(author)
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Age-independent transfer after successful associative mnemonic training
- 2023
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In: Journal of Cognitive Enhancement. - : Springer Nature. - 2509-3290 .- 2509-3304. ; 7:3-4, s. 159-172
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Generalization of training to support the performance on new tasks—transfer—has been much studied. One hypothesis is that transfer occurs if overlapping neuronal circuits are engaged in both training and transfer tasks. Here, we investigated transfer effects in the domain of episodic memory by following 356 participants between 20 and 83 years who downloaded and used a smart phone application to practice the method of loci (MoL) over 3 months. We measured transfer of MoL training to three associative memory tasks with hypothesized neurocognitive overlap (binding in the hippocampus) with the trained task. Transfer tasks were administered at the beginning of training and when two specific proficiency levels in Loci training were reached. Results showed robust transfer effects across the age span at both levels. These results indicate that app-based strategy training can lead to enhancement of episodic memory beyond the specific training task, which may have clinical implementations.
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| 2. |
- Sandberg, Petra, Filosofie doktor, 1979-, et al.
(author)
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Ancient Mnemonic in New Format : Episodic Memory Training With the Method of Loci in a Smart Phone Application
- 2021
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In: The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences. - : Oxford University Press. - 1079-5014 .- 1758-5368. ; 76:4, s. 681-691
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: Episodic memory is age-sensitive but can be strengthened by targeted training interventions. The method of loci (MoL) is a classic mnemonic which if successfully implemented greatly improves memory performance. We developed and investigated the effects of a MoL training program implemented in a smart phone application (app) with the aim of studying usage of the application, training effect and its modifiability by age, predictors for MoL proficiency, transfer effects to a face-name memory task, and perceived benefit in everyday memory.Method: A total of 359 adults participated. Instruction and training of the MoL, transfer test (face-name paired associates cued recall task), and surveys were performed in an in-house developed app.Results: The app interested people across the adult life span. Older adults practiced the most, whereas younger and youngold participants showed the highest level of MoL proficiency. Level of proficiency was modulated by amount of practice, but in the oldest participants this effect was less pronounced. Greater self-rated health was associated with higher level of proficiency. No transfer effect was observed. Among those who answered the survey, about half expressed that MoL training had benefitted memory in their everyday life.Discussion: App-based memory training in the MoL can be delivered successfully via an app across the adult life span. Level of performance reached in training is variable but generally high, and mainly influenced by amount of training and age of the participants. Our data suggest plasticity across the life span, but to a lesser degree for adults between 70 and 90 years.
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