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
