PSYC FPX 3130 Assessment 3 Debunking the Brain Training Myth

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Capella University

PSYC-FPX3130 Criminal Psychology and Behavior

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Date

Introduction

Brain training refers to engaging in structured activities or games that are designed to enhance an individual’s cognitive functions. The fundamental idea behind brain training is that the brain, much like a muscle, can be exercised to improve mental performance. Regular engagement in brain training activities can positively influence attention, memory, problem-solving, and learning abilities.

Some common examples of brain training include memory games, logic puzzles, and cognitive tasks that challenge reasoning and decision-making processes. According to Futorjanski (2024), consistent practice with cognitive games—such as those found on NeuroNation—can significantly enhance mental agility and promote higher cognitive performance.

Brain training is beneficial across various age groups. For children, it strengthens attention spans and memory retention. For adults, it aids in multitasking and decision-making skills, while for older adults, it is often believed to help delay age-related cognitive decline. Scientifically, these exercises stimulate the growth of both white matter (responsible for communication within the brain) and gray matter (involved in processing and cognition), leading to enhanced mental efficiency. However, experts agree that such improvements require regular and long-term engagement for sustainable results.

Myth Busting

Does Brain Training Truly Make You Smarter?

Brain training appeals to a wide demographic, from parents seeking to help children manage attention-deficit disorders, to adults wanting to improve productivity, and elderly individuals hoping to ward off dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Despite these widespread beliefs, research has shown mixed or inconclusive results regarding its long-term effectiveness.

A 2009 review by Kathryn Papp at the University of Connecticut examined ten controlled studies conducted between 1996 and 2008. These studies involved memory training and reading tasks among older adults. The findings revealed no concrete evidence that structured brain training programs delayed or prevented the onset of Alzheimer’s disease in healthy elderly individuals (Jarrett, 2014).

This skepticism was further supported by Pickersgill et al. (2017), who highlighted that the scientific foundation for brain training remains largely inconclusive. In 2015, a collaborative study between the Alzheimer’s Society, the BBC, and the Medical Research Council aimed to test whether brain games improved memory in older adults. The results demonstrated that those who played brain games performed no better than participants who simply spent the same amount of time browsing informative websites such as Wikipedia.

Summary of Key Findings

These studies collectively suggest that while brain training may offer short-term performance gains, these improvements often do not generalize beyond the specific tasks practiced. In essence, becoming skilled at a brain game does not necessarily translate to broader intellectual enhancement.

Brain and Body Intelligence

What Does an Intelligent Brain Look Like?

Questions such as “What makes someone more intelligent than others?” and “Can intelligence be determined by observing the brain?” have long intrigued scientists. The brain of Albert Einstein has often been a focal point in this discussion. Upon examination, researchers found that Einstein’s brain actually weighed less than the average brain, and the number of neurons did not significantly differ. However, his left parietal lobe contained a higher ratio of glial cells to neurons—cells that support, protect, and connect neurons within the nervous system.

The Role of Brain Structure and Efficiency

The brain’s communication network, composed of white and gray matter, determines processing speed and cognitive efficiency. As Garrett and Hough (2022) explain, the efficiency of white matter connections strongly correlates with intelligence and academic success. Interestingly, individuals with higher IQs tend to use less neural energy when solving problems, suggesting that their brains operate more efficiently.

The following table summarizes the relationship between neural activity and cognitive performance:

This evidence underscores that intelligence is not necessarily about brain size or neuron count but rather how efficiently the brain processes and communicates information.

Conclusion

After reviewing the evidence, it appears that the claim “brain training makes you smarter” is largely a myth. While such exercises can enhance specific cognitive skills like memory or attention in the short term, they do not lead to generalized intelligence or lasting improvements beyond the practiced tasks. The perceived improvements often stem from familiarity and repetition, rather than genuine cognitive enhancement.

Nevertheless, brain training can still serve as a beneficial cognitive exercise, promoting mental engagement, motivation, and self-confidence—especially when combined with a balanced lifestyle that includes physical activity, social interaction, and continuous learning.

References

American Psychological Association. (2002). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. American Psychologist, 57(12), 1060–1073. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.57.12.1060

Futorjanski, J. (2024, April 10). Can brain games make you smarter? NeuroNation. https://www.neuronation.com/science/en/can-brain-games-make-you-smarter/

Garrett, B., & Hough, G. (2022). Brain & behavior: An introduction to behavioral neuroscience. SAGE Publications, Inc.

Jarrett, C. (2014). Great myths of the brain. John Wiley & Sons.

PSYC FPX 3130 Assessment 3 Debunking the Brain Training Myth

Pickersgill, M., Broer, T., Cunningham-Burley, S., & Deary, I. (2017). Prudence, pleasure, and cognitive ageing: Configurations of the uses and users of brain training games within UK media, 2005–2015. Social Science & Medicine, 187, 93–100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.06.028