Cognitive Psychology Journal

Comparing the effects of two educational methods, Montessori and Robot-based in students' executive functions

Hadi Keramati

The objective of the present study was to compare the impact of two distinct educational approaches, namely the Montessori and robot-based methodologies, on students' executive functions. The research design was quasi-experimental, with two experimental groups and a post-test and follow-up. A total of 34 available female students from the second elementary grade were selected from the schools where Montessori classes were held. The students were free from physical or mental impairments and did not exhibit learning disorders. Each experimental group received one of the training methods in 12 sessions of 75-90 minutes. Following this, the post-test and follow-up were conducted using the Wisconsin tool to evaluate cognitive flexibility, the Stroop task to evaluate response inhibition, and the Cornoldi task to evaluate working memory. Multivariate mixed-variance analysis was employed to analyze the data. The findings of the study indicated a significant difference between the two educational approaches in enhancing students' executive functions (p<0.01). Additionally, the subscales of executive functions (as defined by Miyake, 2000) demonstrated significant differences, thereby corroborating the efficacy of the Montessori educational method in fostering cognitive flexibility and response inhibition. However, with regard to working memory, the robot-based educational method was found to be of greater importance. Due to the nature of the Montessori education method, which is based on fully targeted tools and activities, the above results are acceptable; Also, due to the sequence of programming in educational robots and the need to use previous information and pay attention to the previous stages of coding, the effectiveness of robot-based education is also acceptable.

The effect of attention and memory training and improvement software on cognitive ability and emotion regulation in patients with Corona Virus after recovery

najmeh hamid

The present study investigated the effect of attention and memory training and improvement software on cognitive ability and emotion regulation in patients with corona virus after recovery. The present research project is a pre-test-post-test experiment with a control group. The statistical population of this research included all the residents of Shadegan city who were hospitalized in the first half of 2021 due to the corona virus in Shahid Moarefi Zadeh hospital (exclusively for corona patients) and then recovered. According to the research design, the sample size was 40 people, who were placed in 2 groups of 20, test and control groups (20 people in test group and 20 in control group) and were selected by simple random sampling method and randomly placed in test and control groups. Also, only the test group was intervened with attention and memory training and improvement software, and finally both groups answered the questionnaires (post-test) again. The research tools were the Garnefski`s Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, Nejati`s Cognitive Capability Questionnaire, and attention and memory training and improvement software. Also, descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation, minimum and maximum scores and inferential statistics such as; Levene test and covariance analysis were used to analyze data using SPSS software version 24. The results of covariance analysis of the data have shown that there was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in each of the dependent variables (P<0.001). That is, the average of the cognitive regulation of emotion and cognitive ability and all the components of these two variables have increased significantly in the experimental group compared to the pre-exam and the control group. Therefore, it can be said that the attention and memory training and improvement software has had a significant impact on the cognitive ability and emotion regulation of recovered patients of corona virus.

The effectiveness of mindfulness training on executive functions (working memory and attention) and self-efficacy in patients with anxiety disorders

zahra mohseninasab

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.

Effectiveness of Captain Log cognitive rehabilitation software on attention and visual spatial and auditory active memory of adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Mahdiyeh Rahmanian

The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effectiveness of Captain Log cognitive rehabilitation software on attention and visual spatial and auditory active memory of adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This research was conducted as an experiment with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group with a one-month follow-up. The statistical population of the current study consisted of all adults aged 18 to 40 with ADHD who referred to the clinics of the 2nd district of Tehran in 2022, first a clinic was selected purposefully, then the number of 24 patients of this clinic was randomly selected. They were assigned in two experimental groups (12 people) and control group (12 people). To collect data, Barclay's Adult ADHD Rating Scale, Black's Chair Test, Wechsler's Working Memory Test, Integrated Visual Auditory Performance Test, and Captain Log cognitive software were used to collect data. The experimental group underwent cognitive rehabilitation intervention of Captain Log for one month (12 sessions of 45 minutes). The results of the analysis of variance with repeated measurements showed that the cognitive rehabilitation training of the Captain Log software is effective on the attention and active visual and auditory memory of adults with ADHD and it is suggested that this software be used in neuropsychological rehabilitation clinics, universities and jobs that require It should be used for attention and high active memory.

The relationship between attachment styles and difficulty in cognitive emotion regulation in college students

tahameh hamvatan

In this research, the relationship between attachment styles and difficulty in emotion regulation was investigated in a student sample. The design of this non-experimental research is correlational. The statistical population of the present study was made up of all the students of Azad Universities who were referred to the counseling centers of Tehran Azad Universities with major complaints in the field of interpersonal relationships in the academic year of 2014-2014, of which 400 were selected by voluntary sampling. The subjects were asked. Complete Hazan and Shavr (1987) attachment questionnaires and Gertz and Roemer (2004) difficulty in emotion regulation questionnaires. The results of the research showed that there is a significant negative relationship between secure attachment styles and difficulty in emotion regulation and its components, and a significant positive relationship between avoidant and ambivalent attachment styles and difficulty in emotion regulation and its components. Based on the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that attachment styles are correlated with difficulty in emotion regulation and its components.

Presenting a structural model of the effect of sleep disorders on learning difficulties with the mediating role of cognitive flexibility in children

ali mohammadzadeh

This research was conducted with the aim of providing a structural model of the effect of sleep disorders on learning problems with the mediating role of cognitive flexibility in children. This research was a descriptive-correlation study. The statistical population of the research included all primary school students (ages 9 to 12 years) in district 3 of Marand city in 2023. From this society, 300 students were selected by staged cluster sampling method. Data collection tools included Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), Colorado Learning Difficulties Questionnaire (CLDQ) and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). Data analysis was done using Pearson correlation in spss version 26 and structural equation analysis in AMOS version 21. Data analysis showed that children's sleep disorders have a direct and positive effect on cognitive flexibility and learning problems, and cognitive flexibility also has a direct and positive effect on learning problems, which were statistically significant. Also, children's sleep disorders had a significant indirect effect on learning problems through cognitive flexibility in a positive way. These results mean the importance of maintaining and improving the quality of children's sleep to support the learning process and improve their cognitive performance. Therefore, paying attention to healthy sleeping habits and creating a suitable sleeping environment for children can be effective in increasing cognitive flexibility and reducing their learning problems.

Comparing the effectiveness of treatment based on mentalization and treatment based on parent-child relationship on executive functions and anxiety symptoms of anxious children.

abdolmagid bahreinian

Research and clinical observations demonstrate that anxiety is a prevalent mental health issue in children, impacting various aspects of their lives throughout different developmental stages. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of mentalization-based therapy and parent-child relationship-based therapy in addressing executive functions and anxiety symptoms in anxious children. This research employed a semi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up assessments. The study's statistical population consisted of mothers of anxious children from the Bandar Abbas Oil Refining Company in 1402, with 45 eligible participants selected through available sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental groups and a control group. Assessment tools included Giova et al.'s behavioral rating questionnaires (2000) and the Spence-Parent Form children's anxiety scale (1998) administered at pre-test, post-test, and follow-up stages. Data analysis utilized SPSS 26 software, incorporating descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of the mixed variance analysis indicated a significant difference between the control group and the mentalization-based and relationship-based treatment groups regarding executive functions and anxiety symptoms in anxious children (P < 0.05). Both mentalization and parent-child relationship interventions contributed to reduced anxiety symptoms and improved executive functions in anxious children. Furthermore, parent-child relationship therapy demonstrated greater efficacy in alleviating anxiety symptoms compared to mentalization-based therapy. Consequently, based on the study's outcomes, it is plausible to consider mentalization and parent-child relationship interventions as appropriate strategies for enhancing executive functions and alleviating anxiety symptoms in anxious children.