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Mark Ashton Smith, Ph.D

About Mark Ashton Smith, Ph.D

I am a cognitive scientist with a joint Ph.D in cognitive psychology and neuroscience from the Center of the Neural Basis of Cognition (Carnegie Mellon/Pittsburgh). At IQ Mindware we develop brain training interventions to increase IQ, critical thinking, decision making, creativity and executive functioning.

Brain Training For Strategic Thinking and Action

Strategic thinking and action lies at the heart of our rationality and intelligence. It also enables us to both creatively conceive and realize our autonomous, purposeful and fulfilling ‘life projects’.   Strategy: Definition & Examples We will use the following definitions: Strategic action promotes strategic advantage, and/or implements strategic plans. Strategic plans are high level plans to achieve goals under conditions of uncertainty. Strategic vision is intuitive, creative thinking about high-value envisioned futures.  

Harnessing the Science of Productivity to Be More Productive

Productivity Definition Productivity is a measure of efficiency of a person completing a task – the efficiency of converting inputs into useful outputs. For example, the efficiency of the work and decisions you make to complete your daily ticklist. More technically productivity can be defined by dividing output (e.g. completing a project) by the total costs incurred or resources  consumed (money, effort, psychological stress, etc) in a given period. Note that productivity isn’t the same as just working hard – it is a

Meta-Awareness, Focused & Open Mindfulness In The Attention Economy

IQ Mindware apps require that we learn and absorb new skills with the goal of becoming more intelligent, effective, creative and productive. Learning a skill like how to reason logically, or make decisions rationally, is not enough – you have to develop awareness about when to apply these skills, and possibly when to override a more automatic, but less intelligent response that is your ‘default – what you may do on automatic pilot. .. Meta-Awareness This requires something called ‘meta-awareness’ – an ability

How To Complete Your Brain Training Program Using Productivity Hacks

Not following through with your intentions or commitments is one of the major obstacles for effective brain training. For as long as training programs have been around to improve health or performance, we have been delaying, avoiding, and procrastinating with our training schedules. This article looks at some of the science behind what the ancient Greek philosophers called Akrasia – the failure of will and self-control where we act against our better judgement

Working Memory Training. Does It Work?

What is working memory?     Working memory is a short-term memory and attention focus system –  your ‘mental workspace’.  It can be defined as a brain system that keeps information in mind temporarily while using it to think something through, make a decision, pursue a goal or comprehend something. It involves a pre-frontal – parietal brain circuit called the cognitive control network. Working memory is necessary for staying focused on a task, blocking out distractions,  keeping you updated and aware of what is going on

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