The Effects of “Braingame Brian” on Executive Functions in Typically Developing Children
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2018-07-06
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en
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Abstract
The executive function training Braingame Brian (BGB) is a serious computer game which
aims to improve executive function (EF) including working memory, inhibitory control and
cognitive flexibility. Usually, it is deployed in children with cognitive control problems.
Previous studies with children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
showed that BGB is effective in improving trained EFs and in reducing parent-rated EF
problems. Although the stimulation of EFs could also be meaningful in typically developing
children (TDC), BGB has not been evaluated in TDC so far. In the current study, BGB was
administered to 25 TDC of a third-grade primary school class, mainly aiming to examine the
effects of BGB on performance-based EFs and on observed EF problems in TDC. Moreover,
this study intends to explore whether baseline EFs, observed EF problems and ADHD
characteristics predict the effects of BGB on directly trained EF measures. Results showed
significant effects of BGB on directly trained EF measures of inhibitory control and cognitive
flexibility, an untrained inhibitory control measure, and teacher-rated EF problems. These
findings suggest that BGB is effective in improving EF in TDC, particularly with respect to
inhibitory control, which seems to generalise also to an untrained EF task. Nevertheless, no
significant predictors were determined for these effects. Methodological issues and
implications for further research were discussed.
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Faculteit der Sociale Wetenschappen