What about executive functions and CHC theory? New research for discussion

What about executive functions and CHC theory: New research for discussion from Kevin McGrew

Music therapy that trains attentional control (AC) and rhythm synchronization produces positive outcomes in children with severe neuro disorders

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Brain/cognitive training programs and transfer: More support for changes in attentional control (AC) being a possible domain-general explanatory mechanism across programs

Another research review article that supports my hypothesis, which was invoked to explain the impact of Interactive Metronome (IM)on cognitive outcomes, that the primary mechanism of successful brain fitness or training programs may be the degree to which each program focuses on strengthening attention control (AC in CHC theory; aka, focus).  My report/white paper can be found here.  Additional information (including You Tube video presentation) available here.

The Mechanisms of Far Transfer From Cognitive Training: Review and Hypothesis.

Greenwood, Pamela M.; Parasuraman, Raja Neuropsychology, Nov 16 , 2015, No Pagination Specified. http://dx.doi.org.ezp1.lib.umn.edu/10.1037/neu0000235

Abstract

• Objective: General intelligence is important for success in daily life, fueling interest in developing cognitive training as an intervention to improve fluid ability (Gf). A major obstacle to the design of effective cognitive interventions has been the paucity of hypotheses bearing on mechanisms underlying transfer of cognitive training to Gf. Despite the large amounts of money and time currently being expended on cognitive training, there is little scientific agreement on how, or even whether, Gf can be heightened by such training. Method: We review the relevant strands of evidence on cognitive-training-related changes in (a) cortical mechanisms of distraction suppression, and (b) activation of the dorsal attention network (DAN). We hypothesize that training-related increases in control of attention are important for what is termed far transfer of cognitive training to untrained abilities, notably to Gf. Results: We review the evidence that distraction suppression evident in behavior, neuronal firing, scalp electroencephalography, and hemodynamic change is important for protecting target processing during perception and also for protecting targets held in working memory. Importantly, attentional control also appears to be central to performance on Gf assessments. Consistent with this evidence, forms of cognitive training that increase ability to ignore distractions (e.g., working memory training and perceptual training) not only affect the DAN but also affect transfer to Gf. Conclusions: Our hypothesis is supported by existing evidence. However, to advance the field of cognitive training, it is necessary that competing hypotheses on mechanisms of far transfer of cognitive training be advanced and empirically tested. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved)

Overview of the figure from MindHub Pub that summarizes the the hypothesis that IM, as well as other brain training programs, may be effective the more they impact the brain networks that underlie the attentional control (AC) system.  Click to enlarge

What is attentional control?

Attentional control (AC:)  "The ability to focus on task-relevant stimuli and ignore task-irrelevant stimuli.  The ability to regulate intentionality and direct cognitive processing.  Sometimes referred to as spotlight or focal attention, focus, control of attention, executive controlled attention or executive attention"(McGrew, LaForte, & Schrank, 2014; WJ IV technical manual).

AC is suggested to be a fundamental, possibly core, ability in understanding working memory capacity.

"I think...therefore IM" (Interactive Metronome) - Dr. Kevin McGrew 2012 Interactive Metronome Keynote

Keynote presentation by Dr. Kevin McGrew at the 2012 Interactive Metronome professional conference in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. McGrew presents his three-levels of interpretation research and theory-based hypothesis re: the reason IM improves cognitive performance across different domains. The primary message focuses on improving focus (controlled attention), working memory and executive functions. Recent brain network research implicates improve brain network communication via white matter tracts, particularly the Parietal-Frontal Integration Theory (P-FIT) of intelligence. 

Taping was from a distance so the audio, at times, is weak. Listening with ear buds suggested.  Also, a non-audio version of the complete set of PPT slides is available for more reflective viewing via my SlideShare account.

[Heads up - the "cat" video clip near the beginning is not a mistake.  Don't think that YouTube has done something weird--I comment on the interpretation of the cat video after it is over]

Below is a snippet of a part of the larger video that explains the key concepts and PPT-based animations that are used in the Keynote presentation.

Finally, if you are unfamiliar with the  IM technology, you might want to watch the following brief introductory video before viewing the Keynote video.  The video is a bit dated with regard to current understanding of how IM may work, as explained in the Keynote video above.  However, it is a good video for understanding the task demands of IM

As noted in my conflict of interest disclosure statement, I am an external paid consultant to IM (Director of Research and Science)

Research byte: Psychological effects of meditation--a meta-analysis

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An interesting research synthesis that helps sort out the positive impact of different types of psychological mediation on different outcomes. I am particularly interested in the support for meditation techniques that emphasis control of attention (e.g., focusing on breathing; a tone; etc.) given the parallels I have written about with regard to the Interactive Metronome neurotechnology.














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