The aim of our research focused on how domain-specific working memory training, based on the characteristics of the sub-components and mechanisms of working memory, can affect the efficiency of cognitive processing. We utilized cognitive behavioral me ...
The aim of our research focused on how domain-specific working memory training, based on the characteristics of the sub-components and mechanisms of working memory, can affect the efficiency of cognitive processing. We utilized cognitive behavioral methods and paradigms and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging(fMRI) technique in numerous experiments, and ultimately our goal was to provide theoretical backgrounds for future establishment of multi-faceted cognitive training models. Various recent studies reported that cognitive training can contribute to improved higher-level cognitive functions, and that it can enhance significant amount of change in terms of behavioral and neuronal functions in humans. Specifically, training of working was reported to have improved the memory capacity, cognitive control, emotional regulation, and fluid intelligence. However, little is known about the specific mechanisms to how the working memory is improved and how the transfer of said improvements to other cognitive functions occur. In our current research, we first investigated the interactions between the sub-components of working memory in 3 dimensions – conscious information processing, unconscious information processing, and social cognition – through behavioral experiments (1st year). With our results, we focused on developing the dimension-specific training paradigms (2nd year), and ultimately attempted to verify the neural mechanisms of the observed results with fMRI methods (3rd year). Our research attempted to verify the interaction between human cognitive processing and working memory, contributing to understanding the specificity of the working memory factor in human behavior. Also, by utilizing the fMRI technique, we were able to connect neural activation with the separate dimensions we investigated. We predict that our research will contribute not only to the academic society, but also to all domains that concern human behavior, in that the scope of our studies are related to human information processing. Furthermore, since our research encompasses memory and learning, we expect our work to provide psychological backgrounds for the educational domain, and to the clinical domain concerning rehabilitative measures for patients with brain damage, autism, and senility-related disorders.