Abstract:

The task-switching training is one of the approaches used to improve executive functions. Different paradigms are used to study the effects of training. While, few studies have investigated that the task-switching training could reduce switch cost and improve the performance of other cognitive tasks. On the other hand, the effects could be maintained for a certain period of time. However, some studies did not find significant transfer effect. Therefore, training efficiency is also affected by age, participation’s other executive function components, cognitive flexibility, and strategy. Moreover, task-switching training may improve the ability of set-shifting through three ways: improve the ability to resolve task-setting conflicts, increase the participation of the frontal-parietal network, and establish bottom-up automatic control. Future research should standardize the existing research methods and procedures, consider the task switching training from the unity and diverse perspective. Research also needs to look for more flexible training methods, such as tDCS.

Key words: shifting, executive functions, task-switching training