How should I use conceptualization and visualization when doing the program?

Conceptualization is thinking in words. (Talking to yourself.)

For example, if you hear the sequence 8-9-0-2-1, think “eight” “nine” “zero” “two” “one,” instead of trying to “see” the numerals in your head.

Visualization is thinking in pictures. (Mental pictures or seeing it in your mind.)

For example, if you are doing an activity that requires you to do math calculation, you may find it helpful to picture the numbers in your mind, to visualize.

Which one should I use?

Simply Smarter is designed to develop both visualization – thinking with pictures – and conceptualization – thinking with words. Some exercises target one or the other, some target both. Here’s a general guide for which to focus on when you work with Simply Smarter training:

  • Auditory Forward (Digit Spans): Conceptualization (talk to myself)
  • Reverse Auditory (Digit Spans): Conceptualization (talk to myself)
  • Visual Forward & Flash (Digit Spans): Conceptualization (talk to myself)
  • Reverse Visual (Digit Spans): Both Conceptualization (talk to myself) and Visualization (see it in your mind)
  • Cognition Activities (Level III & IV): Both Conceptualization (talk to myself) and Visualization (see it in your mind)

Can I look at the keyboard as I listen to the auditory activities?

No, looking at the keyboard is a strategy that actually slows down your development while using Simply Smarter. Do not look at the keyboard until you are ready to key in your response.

AVOID “CHUNKING” & “CHAINING”!

Chaining

Chaining is the process of building a sequence in your mind by connecting the numerals.

For example, if the sequence is “5-9-6-7-2” and you think “five” “five-nine” “five-nine-six” “five-nine-six-seven” “five-nine-six-seven-two,” you are chaining each number to the preceding number in an attempt to remember the sequence. 

To maximize your results we recommend you avoid chaining the numbers together.

Chunking

Chunking is the process of grouping individual numbers together instead of treating each number as a distinct piece.

For example, if the sequence is “8-0-1-6” and you think “eighty sixteen” you are processing two “chunks” of numbers instead of four individual numbers. 

To maximize your results we recommend you avoid chunking the numbers together. It is important to treat each number as a separate unit of information.