alt Hacker NewsFrom https://gwern.net/dnb-faq:
> Performance on dual n-back has complicated correlations with performance on other tests of working memory or IQ, so it’s not clear what it is tapping into. (And the link between WM and performance on IQ tests has been disputed; high WM as measured by OSPAN does not correlate well with performance on hard Raven’s questions and the validity of single tests of WM training has been questioned .)
> Unfortunately, in general, IQ/g and memory don’t seem to be trainable. Many apparent effects are swamped by exercise or nutrition or by simple practice. And when practice does result in gains on tasks or expensive games, said benefits often do not transfer .
> Have I seen any benefits yet? Not really. Thus far it’s like meditation: I haven’t seen any specific improvements, but it’s been interesting just to explore concentration - I’ve learned that my ability to focus is much less than I thought it was!
It does however seem like maybe dual n-back trains concentration and focus and willpower?
> WM training helps alcoholics reduce their consumption and increases patience in recovering stimulant addicts (cocaine & methamphetamine). WM training has been shown to help children with ADHD and also preschoolers without ADHD; Lucas found behavior improvements at a summer camp.
But to GP's point:
> To those whose time is limited: you may wish to stop reading here. If you seek to improve your life, and want the greatest ‘bang for the buck’, you are well-advised to look elsewhere.
> Meditation, for example, is easier, faster, and ultra-portable. Typing training will directly improve your facility with a computer, a valuable skill for this modern world. Spaced repetition memorization techniques offer unparalleled advantages to students. [Lots more.] And all of these can start paying off immediately.
> DNB, on the other hand, requires a minimum of 15 hours before one can expect genuine somatic improvements. The task itself is unproven - the Jaeggi studies are suggestive, not definitive.