Seyed Mohammad Saeid Sahaf,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
According to the existing classifications of Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM) test, it is shown that RCPM is not a homogeneous test and various cognitive factors are involved in it. Moreover, success in RCPM is influenced by working memory ability. Therefore, the present study aims to compare the three factors of the RCPM test in two groups of students with weak and strong visuospatial working memory (VSWM) and examine their role in each of the existing components.
This research evaluated a sample of 150 female students aged 6 to 10 years. Initially, after obtaining consent from the students, the school, and the parents, each student took the RCPM test. The score for each question was recorded as either correct or incorrect, and the total correct responses for each factor were calculated. Subsequently, the Corsi block span test was conducted to assess VSWM, and the score for each participant was recorded. Based on the scores of Corsi block span test, the participants were divided into two groups with strong and weak VSWM, and each factor was individually examined in these two groups.
The results showed that the differences in two factors of the RCPM test in the two groups with strong and weak VSWM are statistically significant. Reviewing the literature shows that differences in VSWM can explain success in the first (involving similarity) and second (Gestalt principles) factors. However, the examination of the third factor (involving concrete and abstract reasoning) yields contradictory results in previous research. This research is the first study to focus on the difference in VSWM in the triadic factors of the RCPM test. It is recommended that in future research, the relationship between the factors of the RCPM test and other cognitive functions be examined, and the roles of gender and age be considered.
Forough Khalilpour, Fariborz Dartaj, Hassan Asadzadeh, Esmaeil Sadipour, Kamran Sheivandi,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to develop and validate the educational package of cognitive-emotional empowerment and its effectiveness on working memory and emotional recognition of sixth grade female students. The research method is considered to be fundamental and applied in terms of its purpose, and the research is considered to be hybrid-exploratory. The statistical population of the research in the qualitative part included Persian and English specialized books and articles in the field of cognitive-emotional empowerment in the last 20 years, which were selected by the purposeful sampling method of the sample group. Then the components of cognitive-emotional empowerment were extracted and coded with the qualitative method of thematic analysis. Finally, the package of cognitive-emotional empowerment was compiled during twelve sessions and its formal and content validity was confirmed by experts. The research method in the quantitative part was a semi-experimental type with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The statistical population of this research includes all the female students of the sixth grade of elementary school in 1400-1401 who were studying in schools in Tehran. The sample size includes 30 people from the statistical population selected by available sampling method and they were placed in two control and experimental groups. For the experimental group, the developed program of cognitive-emotional empowerment was implemented, while the control group did not receive training. The research tools included numerical span test (Wechsler, 2003) and facial emotion recognition test (Ekman and Friesen, 2003). The results showed that the cognitive-emotional empowerment intervention had a significant effect on improving working memory and emotional recognition in the post-test and follow-up stages.
Zahra Mohseninasab, Somaye Saket, Masoome Deilami Pooya, Samaneh Basiti, Sahel Jafari,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Abstract
The purpose of this research was the effectiveness of mindfulness training on executive functions (working memory and attention) and self-efficacy in patients with anxiety disorders. The sample of this research included 30 people from the mentioned community who were selected by available sampling method. 15 people in the experimental group and 15 people in the control group were randomly divided. The research design was semi-experimental with pre-test-post-test with control and experimental groups. The measurement tools included Gioia et al.'s executive function questionnaire (2000) and Scherer's general self-efficacy. To implement, at first, a pre-test was taken from both groups. Then the experimental group underwent mindfulness intervention during 8 sessions of 90 minutes, then a post-test was taken from both groups. Data analysis was done using multivariate covariance analysis (MANCVA) and one-way covariance analysis (ANCVA). The results of the research showed that mindfulness training has a significant effect on executive functions (working memory and attention) and self-efficacy of patients with anxiety disorders.
