Effect of updating training on fluid intelligence in children

Abstract

Recent studies have indicated that working memory (WM) training can improve fluid intelligence. However, these earlier studies confused the impact of WM storage and central executive function on the effects of training. The current study used the running memory task to train the updating ability of 9-11 year-old children using a double-blind controlled design. The results revealed that children's fluid intelligence was significantly improved by memory-updating training. Overall, our findings suggest that the increase in fluid intelligence achieved with WM training is related to improving central executive function. © 2011 Science China Press and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.