Comparisons between two cognitive control training modalities in four-year-old children: individual and group intervention formats

The present study examines the effects of two cognitive training modalities (implemented in the year 2005) on cognitive performance in a set of tasks demanding attention, working memory, flexibility and planning processes. Four-year-old children were trained during four months, and two modalities of cognitive training were implemented: Individual-modality (n = 49)-designed based on a previous intervention program; Group-modality (n = 143)-designed to reduce adults/children ratio and to reduce the gap between laboratory training experiences and school contexts. Results suggest that: (a) both modalities of training promoted gains in the cognitive tasks performance; (b) there were differences according to the cognitive process: for attention, children in the group-modality had lower increments, while for memory and planning children in the same group had higher increments after training.