Posted: Feb 14, 2011 12:56 am
@Imadzaheer:
My first post was probably overly broad. Sorry about that. The reason I brought up the n-back studies in my OP was that improvement in working memory was shown to have a positive effect on generalized intelligence tests. I know IQ isn't a great metric for actual performance, but I thought that having a transfer effect was at least a good sign. I had also thought brain training games/programs would show some effect on overall cognitive ability, but that wasn't the case considering the results of the large scale study.
That being said, there are some areas that I seem to have deficiencies, and was wondering if there are specific methods for improvement. When I took organic chemistry, we had to be able to take various molecules and manipulate them using molecular modeling kits. During exams this had to be done in your head. I noticed that some people seemed to easily be able to rotate the structures in their mind, but for me it was like a brick wall. The only thing that my professor said was that "You just got to get it." I ended up doing well enough in that class, but I'm left wondering if it is really as simple as some people getting it easily, while others don't. I can say the same with music, as I have no real knack or ear for it despite playing a few instruments. Mathematics as well seems to be something that I inherently don't "get" even though I'm proficient as I need to be. My memory seems to be pretty good, but I figure that better memory couldn't hurt. I guess I was wondering if there are targeted ways to improve in spatial reasoning, mathematics, music, memory etc. that doesn't amount to just repetition.
That aside, I'd be thrilled if you had any information on school psychology, especially regarding studying and ways to retain information. Normally I try to get a couple hours of study time for every credit I'm taking, extra if a class is particularly difficult. While I try to space out my readings, I do have a tendency to procrastinate based on the perceived level of pain-in-the-ass the work is going to be.
@CdesignProponentsist:
Thank you for the links. I would say that I tend to keep myself in good shape, eat lots of veg, don't smoke, etc. I take high DHA fish oil daily already, as well as drink plenty of green tea. The only issues I tend to have health-wise are sleep related, as I believe I have a circadian rhythm disorder, which I keep barely in check using melatonin and valerian. I have not heard of the Bacopa Monnieri, so I think I'll have a fun time looking up abstracts on it.
My first post was probably overly broad. Sorry about that. The reason I brought up the n-back studies in my OP was that improvement in working memory was shown to have a positive effect on generalized intelligence tests. I know IQ isn't a great metric for actual performance, but I thought that having a transfer effect was at least a good sign. I had also thought brain training games/programs would show some effect on overall cognitive ability, but that wasn't the case considering the results of the large scale study.
That being said, there are some areas that I seem to have deficiencies, and was wondering if there are specific methods for improvement. When I took organic chemistry, we had to be able to take various molecules and manipulate them using molecular modeling kits. During exams this had to be done in your head. I noticed that some people seemed to easily be able to rotate the structures in their mind, but for me it was like a brick wall. The only thing that my professor said was that "You just got to get it." I ended up doing well enough in that class, but I'm left wondering if it is really as simple as some people getting it easily, while others don't. I can say the same with music, as I have no real knack or ear for it despite playing a few instruments. Mathematics as well seems to be something that I inherently don't "get" even though I'm proficient as I need to be. My memory seems to be pretty good, but I figure that better memory couldn't hurt. I guess I was wondering if there are targeted ways to improve in spatial reasoning, mathematics, music, memory etc. that doesn't amount to just repetition.
That aside, I'd be thrilled if you had any information on school psychology, especially regarding studying and ways to retain information. Normally I try to get a couple hours of study time for every credit I'm taking, extra if a class is particularly difficult. While I try to space out my readings, I do have a tendency to procrastinate based on the perceived level of pain-in-the-ass the work is going to be.
@CdesignProponentsist:
Thank you for the links. I would say that I tend to keep myself in good shape, eat lots of veg, don't smoke, etc. I take high DHA fish oil daily already, as well as drink plenty of green tea. The only issues I tend to have health-wise are sleep related, as I believe I have a circadian rhythm disorder, which I keep barely in check using melatonin and valerian. I have not heard of the Bacopa Monnieri, so I think I'll have a fun time looking up abstracts on it.