Tested on myself — this could be the subtitle of this book. Its author, Dan Hurley, goes with us in search of ways and methods for developing cognitive abilities.
And wherever these searches take him: to the largest scientific centers, and to the offices of companies that develop games for training attention and memory, and to lute lessons, and to a sports camp, and to meditation classes, and to a conference on neuropharmacology , and even inside the magnetic resonance tomograph. The author persistently tries to get to the bottom and makes acquaintances with leading scientists — psychologists and neurophysiologists who study human intelligence, attention and memory, and with the creators of computer programs and organizers of face-to-face trainings for brain development, and with researchers involved in the correction of cognitive developmental disorders. Dan Hurley retells the results of research and at the same time analyzes his own experience, asking ever new questions: about the nature of intelligence, about its evolution and genetic foundations, about the similarities and differences between the cognitive abilities of humans and animals. Along with the author’s interpretations, we also hear the direct speech of scientists describing their scientific research, and these people in themselves are no less interesting to the author than their views and the results of their experiments. Hurley finds that there is still no agreement among researchers about whether training can increase a person’s working memory and intelligence quotient, and the battles are being played out in this area. Dan clearly sympathizes with those who believe in the effectiveness of training, but in fairness sets out another point of view.
Right before our eyes, not only the industry of “brain simulators” is being built, but also a new field of interdisciplinary scientific research. Do not expect specific exercises here: you will find only the most general descriptions of them. But if you are interested in research in this area, revealing the possibilities and limitations of such «simulators», this easily and entertainingly written book is for you. In addition, as we also have cognitive development software, it is important to understand where learning can be approached with enthusiasm, and where it is better to show healthy skepticism. And how the training ended for the author, you will find out only by reading the book to the end.