ERMENTAL: A Simple Web Environment to Design and Teach the Effects of Cognitive Training Experiments

Abstract

We have developed a free, simple and usable online system (called ERMENTAL) with which researchers, teachers and university students can study the effects of training on cognitive processes (e.g., visuospatial as mental rotation and visuospatial memory). So far, similar platforms are usually paid or require specialized training for their use. ERMENTAL allows, in an unsupervised way (i.e., outside the laboratory), to study the effectiveness of cognitive training both individually (according to initial levels of ability) and at group level (e.g., between sexes or academic STEM disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). This approach is derived from the authors’ previous research on training in visuospatial skills, the use of cognitive strategies, the analysis of individual and gender differences. The initial experience with the system was positive. Both teachers and supervised students required little or no training to create their own experiments. This type of computer development should be continued and supported not only research purposes, but also for teaching future professionals and researchers.