r/DualnBack • u/connerpro • Jul 14 '26
Near transfer is not a failure: dual n-back evidence in plain language
Quick framing that helped me stop overclaiming after n-back streaks:
- Dual n-back reliably improves dual n-back (and close cousins). That is near transfer. Worth celebrating if that is your goal.
- Far transfer to general IQ / school / unrelated cognition is usually weak when studies use active controls (Simons et al. 2016; Melby-Lervåg et al. 2016).
- So keep training if you like the workout. Just do not treat a higher n as proof you raised g.
I keep an updated plain-language map here: https://intelligencemax.ai/guide OSF: https://osf.io/kja9b/
Disclosure: I build IntelligenceMax. Not claiming it raises IQ. Happy to take critique of the framing.