Two-component Working Memory Training with Reduced Recall Accuracy Threshold

This study evaluated a novel two-component working memory training (WMT) program designed to target both primary memory (PM) and secondary memory (SM) components of working memory in adolescents aged 10-13 years. The intervention used a modified version of Cogmed Working Memory Training with a reduced recall accuracy threshold (RAT) on critical exercises, allowing participants to make errors while reaching longer span lengths. Participants trained at home via the internet for 30-45 minutes, 5 days per week for 5 weeks (25 training days total). The training included 12 verbal and spatial simple span tasks, with 8 common exercises rotating throughout training and 4 critical exercises presented daily. The two-component condition differed from control conditions solely in the RAT: it required 100% accuracy at spans of 2-3 items, but allowed one error at spans of 4-6 items, two errors at spans of 7-9 items, and so on. Graduate students trained as Cogmed coaches, who were blind to participant condition, called participants weekly to monitor compliance. No pre-implementation training for participants beyond initial instructions was mentioned.