Should we introduce a "brain-training" tag?

Question

I'm highly sceptical of what is often presented under the banner of "brain training". That said, a lot of people are interested in the topic, and it seems to be to be a bit distinct from "training" in general. I.e., it typical involves doing basic exercises with the aim of developing some domain general ability. In contrast I associate "training" with actual training of skills, such as workplace training or training in sports where people practice skills with the aim of developing those actual skills.

Thus, I was hoping I could add a "brain-training" tag so that all such questions would be better linked. What do people think?

I'd also think that the tag description would include a suitably critical view on the merits of brain training.

Questions under the brain training tag would include:

• Is consistent dual n-back training likely to improve the performance of analysis (mathematics) students?
• What does Lumosity's Flexibility measure?
• How valid is Lumosity's Brain Performance Index and what normative information is available?
• Training for the corpus callosum?
• Does the "use it or loose it" principle apply to the brain?
• Does cognitive training enhance dopamine release?

Answer 1

I would prefer a different name for that tag, e.g. cognitive training, mental training, or intelligence training. It seems to me that literally training your brain would mean improving your physiology, such as easing your blood flow or speeding up neural networking. This might be what is behind the mental improvements, but the focus of the questions is on the cognitive processes, not on the physiology.

Other than that, I'm for such a tag (even if you call it "brain training") and agree with your differentiation (training cognitive processes versus training skills that also use the brain).