Cognitive Control

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in understanding how cognitive skills influence second language acquisition. Cognitive control, a set of mental processes that include attention, inhibition, and working memory, has been shown to play a significant role in language learning. This study examines the impact of cognitive control skills on language development among adult Iranian English learners, comparing it both in online and in person settings. Forty adult EFL learners were divided into two groups and underwent a 9-week instructional period, with cognitive control skills assessed using the Attention Network Task (ANT), working memory tasks, and a Raven’s IQ test. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, regression, and ANCOVA to determine relationships between variables. The results of the study revealed that while aspects of cognitive control like orienting and altering do not have a significant impact on language development, the more complex, controlling aspect exhibits a positive relationship (F=4.937, p=0.033). This relationship was contingent upon controlling for differences between post-examination and primary examination of ANT results, indicating that controlling attention is a stronger predictor of language outcomes. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that the mode of instruction—online or in-person—has no significant impact on this relationship (F=0.009, p=0.925), suggesting that cognitive control operates independently of teaching mode. The study’s findings suggest that educators and curriculum developers should emphasize activities targeting the controlling component of cognitive control in language learning, as this is linked to better language development. Additionally, since the mode of instruction does not significantly impact this relationship, effective language instruction can be delivered in both online and in-person settings, providing flexibility in course design.

Background: Video games like Tetris engage distinct cognitive processes, yet the neural mechanisms underlying gameplay remain incompletely understood. This study investigates how Tetris modulates brain activity patterns compared to resting state, focusing on oscillatory dynamics and their behavioral relevance. Methods: We recorded 32-channel EEG in 32 participants during rest and Tetris gameplay. Spectral analysis identified power differences in key frequency bands (theta: 4-6Hz; alpha2: 10-11.5Hz; beta3: 28-29Hz). Cluster-based permutation tests (p<0.03, FDR-corrected) localized significant changes, while Spearman correlations and regression analyses examined performance relationships. Results: Three main findings emerged: (1) Gameplay increased frontal theta (cognitive control) and occipital beta3 (visual processing) while decreasing parietal alpha2 (attention reallocation); (2) Regional band power correlations showed a shift in co-modulation patterns from stronger frontoparietal theta covariance (rest) to enhanced parieto-occipital synchrony (gameplay), reflecting task-specific regional engagement; (3) Frontal theta modulation predicted performance (R²=0.322, p=0.004), with stronger theta increases correlating with better scores (r=+0.57, p<0.01). Conclusion: Tetris induces rapid changes, with frontal theta emerging as a key marker of cognitive adaptability. These findings demonstrate the utility of Tetris for studying neuroplasticity and suggest its potential as a paradigm for cognitive training interventions. Future research should explore longitudinal changes in these neural patterns with extended practice.