Abstract
Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have gotten different results as to whether processing speed can explain the aging
of cognitive functions. Experimental analyses are needed to develop further evidence. To explore the relationship between
speed and working memory in cognitive aging, processing speed intervention is conducted in the present study. Utilizing paper–pencil
training, computer training, and a control group, 78 adults aged 58–83 years from Beijing participated in a speed intervention
study. After 5 weeks of training, there were substantial training gains on two speed tests in two training groups, but no
transfer effect on working memory was found. Discussion: The results fail to support the view that processing speed is a foundation
of working memory for aging. The aging of working memory may depend more on an executive attention component.
of cognitive functions. Experimental analyses are needed to develop further evidence. To explore the relationship between
speed and working memory in cognitive aging, processing speed intervention is conducted in the present study. Utilizing paper–pencil
training, computer training, and a control group, 78 adults aged 58–83 years from Beijing participated in a speed intervention
study. After 5 weeks of training, there were substantial training gains on two speed tests in two training groups, but no
transfer effect on working memory was found. Discussion: The results fail to support the view that processing speed is a foundation
of working memory for aging. The aging of working memory may depend more on an executive attention component.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s10804-012-9142-6
- Authors
- Huamao Peng, Institute of Developmental Psychology, Beijing Normal University, No. 19 Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing, 100875 China
- Jing Wen, Institute of Developmental Psychology, Beijing Normal University, No. 19 Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing, 100875 China
- Dahua Wang, Institute of Developmental Psychology, Beijing Normal University, No. 19 Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing, 100875 China
- Yue Gao, Institute of Developmental Psychology, Beijing Normal University, No. 19 Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing, 100875 China
- Journal Journal of Adult Development
- Online ISSN 1573-3440
- Print ISSN 1068-0667