Wednesday, November 24, 2010

What Is Cognitive Software?


Posted by A.N. Loganathan
As published at www.wisegeek.co

The word "cognitive" refers to the brain’s ability to think and process information. Cognitive software or popularly known as Brain Training Software is a type of computer program designed to help improve a user's memory and attention skills. This type of software is developed using cognitive psychology as its basis, and aims to help people achieve success in their academic and professional goals.


ColorMatch-A typical example Brain Training Module
Brain X-Trainer 5 Home Edition

The ColorMatch module is one of the ways that the Brain X-Trainer ™ 5 may help to improve mental (attention) vitality and flexibility.  The cognitive mechanism involved in this task is directed attention.  The task will help to develop the ability to manage and direct attention, and foster the ability to inhibit or stop the initial response in the presence of conflicting information.

Cognitive software is largely based around the concepts of cognitive therapy. Cognitive therapy, also known as behavioral therapy, is a type of counseling that helps an individual use more positive and effective thinking strategies to overcome mental difficulties, such as anxiety and depression. Many people who have gone through cognitive therapy find more beneficial ways of thinking whenever they find themselves in an unfavorable situation.

People who have problems with cognitive skills have been helped to develop better ways to process information by using cognitive software. Candidates who suffer from a variety of mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and other cognitive impairments may also benefit from using this software. It is also helpful for people who have learning disabilities such as ADHD, who have been known to have problems with their attention span and listening skills.

Cognitive retraining software is also used for people who have had severe head trauma and need assistance with learning many of the basic skills they had prior to sustaining an injury. It helps people with head injuries relearn tasks such as matching, association, memory skills, and others. In addition, this technology is used in workplaces around the world to help people perform better in their jobs. This software helps people find better ways to solve problems, while at the same time sharpens their abilities to process complex information, thus making them more valuable employees.

Memory training is a concept used within cognitive software that enhances a person's intelligence and memory. The reason it is able to accomplish this is because it uses techniques such as rhyming and placement of numbers by using "chunking" to help people learn more easily. For instance, when people are trying to learn a key phrase they will make up a word that rhymes with the words — two is for glue. Chunking is another technique that can be used to remember a long list of numbers, such as a phone number. The number 1234567, for example, could be more easily memorized when it is broken into chunks: 123-45678. 

Cognitive games are another type of cognitive software that can help with information processing and brain training abilities. This software incorporates games that test and improve functions, such as processing speed, verbal fluency, and spatial working memory skills. Each game targets each individual function in the brain and helps the user develop better cognitive abilities.

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