Cogmed working memory training: Does the evidence support the claims?

Cogmed working memory training is sold as a tool for improving cognitive abilities, such as attention and reasoning. At present, this program is marketed to schools as a means of improving underperforming students’ scholastic performance, and is also available at clinical practices as a treatment for ADHD. We review research conducted with Cogmed software and highlight several concerns regarding methodology and replicability of findings. We conclude that the claims made by Cogmed are largely unsubstantiated, and recommend that future research place greater emphasis on developing theoretically motivated accounts of working memory training.

► This paper deals with Cogmed working memory training. ► We begin by describing its role in the commercial industry. ► Cogmed training and details of training studies are next described ► We then proceed to a review of Cogmed as it relates to several abilities. ► It is concluded that there is little-to-no support for the claims made by Cogmed.