Reasoning and Problem-Solving Tasks in Working Memory Training Research
Raven’s Progressive Matrices
Description: Raven’s Progressive Matrices is a non-verbal test that assesses abstract reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Participants are presented with a series of visual patterns with a missing piece and must select the correct option to complete the pattern.
Example: Harrison et al. (2015) used Raven’s Progressive Matrices to investigate the relationship between working memory capacity and matrix reasoning tasks. They found that working memory capacity was related to performance on Raven’s problems, particularly those requiring novel rule combinations.
Cattell’s Culture Fair Intelligence Test
Description: The Culture Fair Intelligence Test (CFIT) was designed to measure cognitive abilities while minimizing the influence of cultural and environmental factors. It consists of four subtests: series completion, classification, matrices, and conditions.
Example: While not specifically a working memory training study, Cattell’s CFIT has been used in research examining the relationship between fluid intelligence and working memory. For instance, Engle et al. (1999) used the CFIT along with other measures to assess the correlation between working memory capacity and fluid intelligence.
Bochumer Matrices Test
Description: The Bochumer Matrices Test is a German intelligence test similar to Raven’s Progressive Matrices. It assesses non-verbal reasoning abilities through a series of matrix completion tasks.
Example: Although specific working memory training studies using the Bochumer Matrices Test are limited in the English-language literature, it has been used in research examining cognitive abilities. For instance, it could potentially be used as an outcome measure in working memory training studies, similar to how Raven’s Matrices are often employed.
References
Harrison, T. L., Shipstead, Z., & Engle, R. W. (2015). Why is working memory capacity related to matrix reasoning tasks? Memory & Cognition, 43(3), 389-396.