Objective: Soft skills are highly
prized, both in educational settings and in workplaces. One of the most prized
is communication skills, to which semantic verbal fluency (SVF) is an important
contributor. Drawing on both hardware and software models of cognitive reserve,
the present study sought to assess the impact of regular crossword use on SVF
in a student sample.
Method: An experimental design was
employed. Thirty-four participants attempted a simple crossword every day for
four week, while 40 served as a control group.
Results: A mixed two-way ANOVA
identified a significant interaction effect, with moderate effect size, between
experimental group and pre- and post-intervention SVF scores. The crossword
group gained significantly more in SVF performance than did the control group.
Conclusion: Daily crosswords may
prove a useful tool to boost SVF in a high functioning student population.