Want to Train Your Brain? Read This Article!

Frontiers for Young Minds, vol. 8

Abstract

Imagine that you could make yourself smarter simply by playing games. Wouldn’t that be awesome? You spend a few hours at the computer every week, and you will be able to concentrate better, learn faster, and remember more. Your grades will skyrocket, you will finish school without any trouble, and life will be perfect. Wouldn’t it? If you search the internet, it is not difficult to find games and apps claiming to boost your brain, allowing you to use its full potential. In this article, we will discuss the science behind these so-called brain-training games. We will argue that, in theory, it should be possible to make yourself smarter. However, the evidence that brain training will help you do so is mixed, at best. We will speculate about the next-generation brain-training programs and discuss alternatives for improving your thinking skills. Why not simply read a book?

Authors 2

1. Dietsje Jolles Aachen Institute of Education and Child Studies Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands

   Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands

2. Linda Van Leijenhorst Aachen Institute of Education and Child Studies Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands

   Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands