My name is Dr Mark Ashton Smith. I am a cognitive neuroscientist trained at the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition. For a number of years I was a lecturer and researcher in the Psychology Department at the University of Cambridge. I am currently a Lecturer in Cognitive Psychology & Neuroscience at the University of Essex Online. I have been researching cognitive interventions and the principles of effective brain training for two decades. Research in the past few years in cognitive neuroscience has identified a set of principles for effective brain training to increase general adaptive intelligence. You can connect with me here.
The Trident Strategy-Capacity Brain Training Method
The Trident Strategy-Capacity Method is a cutting-edge cognitive training program designed to enhance intelligence, strategic thinking, and cognitive resilience. Developed by Dr Ashton Smith, this method combines advanced neuroscience with practical tools to improve working memory, attention control, and strategic reasoning. By integrating automated foundational skills with flexible, domain-general strategies, it equips individuals to excel in both familiar and novel, high-stakes environments.
How It Works
The Trident Strategy-Capacity Method integrates dual n-back training for working memory and attention capacity training with higher-order strategy (or ‘mindware’) exercises for problem solving and strategic planning. This unique combination ensures a balance between building raw cognitive capacity and applying that capacity flexibly to real-world cognitive challenges.
- Capacity Building: Automates core processes like attention control and working memory to free mental resources.
- Strategic Flexibility: Trains adaptive strategies such as decision trees, cost-benefit analysis, and causal reasoning for dynamic problem-solving.
- Neural Optimisation: Uses neurocognitive principles such as hippocampal Successor Representations (SR) and cognitive maps to enable transfer from IQ Mindware training to applications of IQ in real world challenges that are useful to you.
More details on the Strategy-Capacity brain training method can be found on Substack here.
Core Principles
- Brain Criticality: Intelligence thrives when the brain operates near a “critical point” between order and chaos. This balance enables smooth transitions between autopilot ‘flow state’ cognitive skills (crystallised intelligence) and flexible, creative ar analytic thinking (fluid intelligence).
2. The Three Prongs of the ‘Trident’ of Fluid Intelligence:
- Control: Strengthens focus, discipline, and execution of known strategies.
- Creativity: Encourages exploration and innovative solutions.
- Fluid Integration: Enables seamless adaptation between control and creativity to solve novel challenges using reasoning.
Why It Works
The Trident Method leverages neuroplasticity to strengthen cognitive circuits in the hippocampus, striatum and prefrontal cortex, ensuring improvements in intelligence are both measurable and long-lasting. Training also creates a “multiplier effect,” where small gains in cognitive capacity enhance strategic skills, resulting in exponential improvements in real-world performance over time.
Benefits of the Trident Training Program
- Lasting IQ Gains: Backed by science, the method enhances fluid and crystallised intelligence.
- Strategic Mastery: Learn to approach problems with clarity, efficiency, and adaptability.
- Peak Mental Resilience: Develop the focus and mental stamina to excel under pressure.
IQ Mindware Research Papers
Substack articles explaining the principles of the training in everyday language can be accessed here and here. Subscribe for free for training materials and educational articles.
Academic articles on the Trident G theory and the Strategy-Capacity training method can be found here and here.
Research published in Frontiers in Psychology by Veloso & Ty (2020) has demonstrated both working memory gains and improved cognitive resilience from IQ Mindware app training:
