Working memory as a mechanism underlying transfer and maintenance of skills acquired through music training

工作记忆是通过音乐训练获得的技能转移和维持的基础机制

• 批准号: RGPIN-2014-06196
• 负责人: Moreno, Sylvain
• 金额: $ 0.82万
• 依托单位: University of Toronto
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2014
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2014-01-01 至 2015-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=567651
• 关键词: Working; memory; mechanism; underlying; transfer

Music, by virtue of the extra-ordinary demands it places on several important cognitive functions (e.g. working memory, auditory analysis, visual-auditory-motor integration, etc.), is an excellent candidate as a training paradigm to examine transfer effects both within the same domain (i.e., "near transfer") and across different domains (i.e., "far transfer"). Indeed, a growing number of studies have reported correlations between music training and improvements on a variety of cognitive measures including verbal IQ, working memory, and language skills, providing evidence for far transfer. However, the mechanisms mediating or underlying these associations are mostly unknown (Moreno, 2009). Moreno et al. (2011) suggested that improvements in executive functions (EF), such as working memory (WM), might play a role in the processes of far transfer. Several studies have supported a link between music expertise and WM (e.g., Bidelman et al., 2013; Chan et al., 1998; Ho et al., 2003; Pallesen et al., 2010; Parbery-Clark et al., 2011; see review in Moreno & Bidelman, 2013). However, the causal effect of musical training on WM and other cognitive functions remains unclear. The overall goal of my research program is to examine the role of musical expertise and musical training on brain plasticity and the mechanisms underlying far transfer over the lifespan. This broad goal is divided into three aims: 1) to determine the influence of music expertise on WM with respect to behavioural and brain function; 2) to determine the causal effects of music training on WM by using a longitudinal musical training intervention; and 3) to investigate the role of WM and other EFs in transfer via mediation analysis. This novel program of research will provide a better understanding of the influence of life experiences (i.e., music training) on cognition and the brain's adaptability. This research may have widespread influence in education by exploring the relationship between engagement in enriched cognitive activities (such as musical training) and underlying mechanisms critical for learning.

音乐，由于它对几个重要的认知功能（如工作记忆，听觉分析，视觉-听觉-运动整合等）的特殊要求，是一个很好的候选人，作为一个训练范例来检查同一领域（即“近转移”）和不同领域（即“远转移”）的转移效应。事实上，越来越多的研究报告了音乐训练与各种认知指标（包括言语智商、工作记忆和语言技能）的改善之间的相关性，为远距离迁移提供了证据。然而，介导或潜在这些关联的机制大多是未知的（Moreno, 2009）。Moreno et al.（2011）认为执行功能（EF）的改善，如工作记忆（WM），可能在远端迁移过程中发挥作用。几项研究支持音乐专长与WM之间的联系（例如，Bidelman等人，2013；Chan等人，1998；Ho等人，2003；Pallesen等人，2010；parberry - clark等人，2011；参见Moreno和Bidelman， 2013）。然而，音乐训练对WM和其他认知功能的因果影响尚不清楚。我的研究项目的总体目标是研究音乐专业知识和音乐训练对大脑可塑性的作用，以及在生命周期中远端转移的机制。这个广泛的目标分为三个目标：1)确定音乐专业知识对WM的影响，包括行为和大脑功能；2)通过纵向音乐训练干预来确定音乐训练对WM的因果效应；3)通过中介分析探讨WM和其他ef在迁移中的作用。这个新颖的研究项目将更好地理解生活经历（即音乐训练）对认知和大脑适应性的影响。这项研究通过探索参与丰富的认知活动（如音乐训练）与学习关键的潜在机制之间的关系，可能会在教育领域产生广泛的影响。