Cognitive Ability Predicts Older Adult Performance in a Complex Task but is Moderated by Social Interaction

摘要

Previous research has examined the effects of cognitive training on cognitive abilities. However, thecontribution of cognitive abilities to learning to perform the tasks used as cognitive training, such ascomplex video games, is not completely understood. Additionally, social interaction while playing a videogame may change the relationship between cognitive ability and game success by allowing players to learnfrom one another instead of solely their own abilities. As part of a larger cognitive intervention designedfor older adults, the 50 participants included in our analysis were randomly assigned to either play gamesalone or take turns with a partner for one hour a day over fifteen days. Those playing with a partneroutscored those playing alone. Multiple cognitive abilities predicted game success, but there was alsoevidence to suggest a moderating effect when playing with a partner on the predictive power of certaincognitive abilities.