The Limits of Brain Training: What Research Shows About Cognitive Enhancement

In a recent study conducted by researchers Professor Fernand Gobet and Giovanni Sala from the University of Liverpool, it has been found that various cognitive training programs, including music instruction, chess training, and video game training, do not actually improve general cognitive and academic skills.

The study, published in Current Directions in Psychological Science, analyzed the effects of different cognitive training programs on intelligence and memory. The researchers found that music instruction does not have any true effect on skills outside of music, despite claims that it can improve general intelligence. Similarly, chess training only exerts a small effect on cognitive and academic skills, and video game training also fails to enhance cognitive function.

The researchers emphasized the importance of being fully aware of the benefits and limits of training the brain. While cognitive training programs may not necessarily boost cognitive functions as expected, they do highlight the malleability of our cognition to training. The study suggests that more research on genetics and neuroscience may provide more promising pathways to general cognitive enhancement.

Overall, the study sheds light on the effectiveness of various cognitive training programs and encourages further exploration into ways to improve intelligence and cognitive skills.