Research & Independent Studies

Program Research IMPROVing Lives

Arrowsmith Research

The Arrowsmith Program is backed by extensive research and scientific validation.

Explore a comprehensive collection of studies demonstrating how Arrowsmith’s targeted cognitive exercises drive meaningful improvements in cognitive function, academic performance, and social-emotional well-being. These findings highlight the program’s impact on both children and working adults, proving that cognitive transformation is possible at any stage of life.

40 Independent Studies 18 peer reviewed

Featured Studies & Research:

Research Report: Symbol Relations Cognitive Program Outcomes

This report summarizes the research completed on the Symbol Relations Cognitive Program. This program is offered to different groups of individuals in different delivery models, namely the Symbol Relations Cognitive Intensive Program, the Symbol Relations Whole Cohort Program, and the Symbol Relations Cognitive Enhancement Program. The research on each is covered separately and a summary provided at the end of the report.

Symbol Relations Cognitive Program Outcomes
Research Report: Arrowsmith Whole Cohort Program Outcomes

A summary of the research outcomes on the Arrowsmith Whole Cohort Program.

Arrowsmith Whole Cohort Program Outcomes
Research Overview Report

An overview of the research conducted on the outcomes of the Arrowsmith Program since 1997.

Research Overview Report
Research Report: Full-Time Arrowsmith Program Outcomes

A summary of the research outcomes of the Full-Time Arrowsmith Program.

Full-Time Arrowsmith Program Outcomes
Research Report: Academic Outcomes

A summary of the research on the academic outcomes of the Arrowsmith Program.

Academic Outcomes

Cognitive Intensive Program: Research Findings

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Academic research partners

Insights from Researchers

If a brain is exercised properly, anyone can grow intelligence, at any age, and potentially by a lot.
Dr. Michael MerzenichProfessor Emeritus, UCSF, Kavli Laureate in Neuroscience
If a network supporting a brain function is repeatedly stimulated through practice and training, it will become stronger, contributing to the optimization of that brain function.
Alvaro FernandezSharp Brains Guide to Brain Fitness
There is neuroplasticity as a function of Arrowsmith training, which improves performance. So – Do precise Arrowsmith cognitive exercises activate and functionally change particular areas or networks of the brain? The answer, is yes.
Dr. Greg RoseProfessor Emeritus, Cognitive and Neural Sciences, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
There seems to be a story here [with Arrowsmith outcomes] about cognitive efficiency which includes working memory and attention and learning, the capacity to learn new things. These are really important cognitive skills for success at school and life in general.
Dr. Rachel WeberUniversity of British Columbia, Canada
IMPROVE Cognitive FUNCTION

Can specific cognitive exercises stimulate and improve specific cognitive functions?

The work of the Arrowsmith Program is grounded in research – that of Alexander Luria who identified the function or job of different regions and networks of the brain and that of Mark Rosenzweig at University of California, Berkeley looking at ‘activity-dependent neuroplasticity’ in rats. Activity-dependent neuroplasticity means that external stimulation that places a demand on the brain over a sustained period results in change to the brain.

Based on Luria and Rosenzweig’s research, the following question was posed by Barbara Arrowsmith-Young in 1978 – “Can specific cognitive exercises stimulate and improve specific cognitive functions?”

The research conducted on Arrowsmith Program demonstrates that yes, specific cognitive exercises are leading to changes in the brain along with cognitive, academic, and social emotional well-being changes.

What are the statistics on research evaluating the Arrowsmith Program?

40 independent studies
850+ students
6 universities
30 different educational institutions
5 countries
18 of these studies have been peer reviewed
3 have been published
14 have been presented at conferences
7 of these studies have had control groups

These studies have been conducted by different researchers using a variety of research designs and measures, with a variety of research subjects.

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