Brain Training and Big Data
A New Avenue to Study Learning in Older Adults

Kit Double




Big data is so 'in' right now

Big data is so 'in' right now

Big data is so 'in' right now










Once upon a time...


Memory Mates







Cognitive ability, learning & knowledge are frequently assessed until the end of college/university
We collect very little data after this point












What can brain training tell us about the cognition/learning of adults?
Is it 'big' data?
65,000 people in 1 year
1 terabytes of data a day

65% female

60% quit within 18 months
What can brain training tell us about the cognition/learning of adults?
Is it valid data?
Raven's Progressive Matrices
N-back task
Stroop task
Complex span task


Performance

Adherence


60% quit within 18 months
A survival analysis indicated that age (+ve), openness to experience (+ve), and need for cognition (-ve) predicted continuation with training (all p < .05)
Discontinued = Not played in last 2-months
Dementia Detection
Develop neuropsychological tasks
Track changes longitudinally
Ethical considerations

Limitations of 'Big Data'
Difficult to customise
Balance longitudinal vs. novel
Stakeholders interests
Analysis e.g. scoring








Acknowledgements

Damian Birney

Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Slides available at

2018 IAEA
By kitdouble
2018 IAEA
- 435