Working memory training programs have attracted great interest, with claims that the training programs can have diverse beneficial effects. The purpose of this article was to examine near- and far-transfer effects following working-memory training and identify the significant moderators related to these effects. Twenty- three research articles were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that near-transfer effects of verbal and visual-spatial working memory skills had effect sizes ranging from 3.22 to 2.99 respectively. Far-transfer effects of reading comprehension and academic achievement had effect sizes ranging from 3.17 to 2.43 respectively. Two significant moderators, namely, learner status (typically/special needs) and duration of training sessions(less 40 m/more 40 m) had an impact on near-transfer effects only.
Working Memory Training and the Effect on Mathematical Achievement in Children with Attention Deficits and Special Needs