A self-training program in inductive reasoning for low-education elderly: Tutor-guided training vs. self-training

The main aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a self-training program in inductive reasoning run for elderly with low levels of education. Two different training settings were considered, i.e. tutor-guided training and self-training, to ascertain whether results obtained in both settings would be similar. A total of 25 subjects took part in this study (average age = 68.266, range = 60-85 years), all volunteers and residents of the city of Granada. A quasi-experimental design was used with random assignment to either training setting. The design was applied in four stages: pre-test, cognitive training (tutor-guided vs. self-trained inductive reasoning), post-test immediately after training and follow-up at 3 months. Results show considerable gains in inductive reasoning training both in tutor-guided and self-trained groups. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.