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Chapter I
INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Cognitive skills are natural skills that are developed

through experiences. Each cognitive skill plays a role in

processing information such as perception, attention, memory, and

logical thinking of a person that is why it is considered a

person’s tools for learning. As you have noticed, in

kindergarten, we are taught to sing, count, and read in a

creative way, and we get to memorize or apply those simple things

in our daily lives as we grow older. With these cognitive skills,

we get to solve problems based on how we understand the given

situation. We apply a specific cognitive ability that helps us

get through tests on our own. This also explains why there are

people who are good in some specific ways. There are people who

are effortlessly good at math, others who can easily analyze what

they read, and even those who can easily think of a solution to

certain problems. This is because a specific cognitive ability of

theirs is properly trained.

Cognitive skills play a crucial role in every human being.

It is how we understand and apply information through our level

of understanding, experiences, and senses, the reason why it

affects every aspect of life, our performance in school and work,

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how we build relationships with others, or just simply applying

it in our everyday lives.

More sophisticated thought processes start to emerge during

adolescence. During this period, they may be able to think

abstractly and formulate their own concepts or queries. It can

also refer to the capacity to evaluate other viewpoints, contrast

or discuss concepts or beliefs, and take into the process of

thinking. The transition from concrete thinking to formal logical

operations happens over time. Every adolescent progresses at

their own rate in developing their ability to think in more

complex way.

According to Liu and Wang, the higher the students’

cognitive ability, the faster and more accurately they can pay

attention to key information, efficient memory coding, and the

output of more effective information, thus leading to higher

academic performance. Conversely, at lower levels of cognitive

ability, some knowledge is missed in the knowledge process, which

further reduces effective information output and leads to lower

academic achievement. This indicates that cognitive ability

usually contributes significantly to academic achievement.

Throughout different studies, there is much controversy over the

influence model of cognitive ability on academic performance.1

1
J. Liu and H.L. Wang, (2000). Application of information processing
learning theory in educational technology. Inserv. Educ. Train. Sch. Teach.
12, 51–52. Retrieved on April, 2024.
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In the 2018 PISA, The Philippines ranked last among 79

participating countries and economies in reading and second to

last in science and mathematics. At least 78% of students in the

Philippines failed to reach minimum levels of proficiency in each

of the three PISA subjects. This implies that most of Filipino

learners' intellectual function and adaptive behavior are

significantly below the expected average for their age resulting

to having trouble processing information on their own.2

A proposed application named Elevate by Jesse Pickard is an

award-winning educational application that serves as a brain

trainer, this application aims to improve the cognitive skills of

an individual. It has been announced by the Apple as the Best App

of the Year in the United States in 2014. The app is consisting

of various mini-game that contains specific content in every

game. This application encourages the users to take on challenges

and apply new learnings. There are over 40 mini-games designed on

collaboration with experts to keep a player engaged. There are

multiple timed rounds in each training session, and lives are

limited. The software penalizes you when you enter the incorrect

answer. However, it also shows how to solve a problem correctly.

At the end of each game, you will receive a report on your

performance. With this app, you get to practice better on your

2
Philippine Business for Education (2023). State of Philippine Education
[Link]://[Link]/blogs/47/PBEd/State%20of%20Philippine%20Education
%20Report%202023
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cognitive skills and intuitively gauges and improve your

performance in developing cognitive skills.3

An independent study conducted by Dr. Dana Nakano from

California State University found that students who used Elevate

had a 69% improvement in academic performance compared to non-

Elevate users. The Elevate treatment group scored significantly

higher than the control group in both the pre- and post-tests.

The Elevate treatment group improved by 4.25 points, a 23%

improvement from pre- to post-test. The Elevate treatment group

improved 69% more than the control group. Thus, there is some

truth to the claim that using the app for an extended amount of

time will increase your analytical thinking and problem-solving

abilities.4

Objectives of the Study

3
M. Agrawal (2022). Elevate Brain Training Overview.
[Link]

4
D. Nakani, PhD (2015). Elevate Effectiveness Study. Retrieved on
April, 2024.
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This study will aim to determine the efficacy of the

application elevate in developing cognitive skills.

Specifically, this study aims to:

1. determine the pretest result of the respondents;

2. find out the posttest result of the respondents; and

3. ascertain if there is a significant difference between the

pretest and posttest result of the respondents.

Significance of the Study

The result of the study will be of great benefit to the

following:

Students. The result of this study will provide a structured

and interactive platform for learning, making it engaging and

enjoyable. Furthermore, by using this app, it will allow students

to practice cognitive skills anytime, anywhere, while at the same

time promoting consistent learning and improvement. By this, they

will be able to learn new things, without an assistance from

others. Their self-learning ability will be enhanced as they will

just be using the app on their own. Overall, it can significantly

enhance students’ cognitive abilities and academic performance.

Teachers. The findings of this study will help educators

enhance the learning experience of their students by

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incorporating the interactive and engaging content of the

educational applications. With this, it can stimulate students’

interest and motivation when it comes to developing their

cognitive skills. Teachers can create a more dynamic and adaptive

learning environment that supports student growth and

achievement. In connection with this, the app provides feedbacks,

which will be a great help for teachers on allowing them to

monitor their students’ progress and address any areas of

difficulty more effectively.

School Administrators. This study will allow them to track

and monitor students’ performance, enabling them to identify

areas of strength and areas that needs improvement. This data-

driven approach can inform decision-making and resource

allocation within the school to better support cognitive skill

development. Also, using this app can promote innovation and

experimentation in teaching methods and approaches, as

administrators can easily access and implement new educational

technologies and tools.

University of Eastern Philippines Laoang Laboratory High

School (UEPLLHS). The findings of this study could give them a

starting point on what actions should be taken in order to

encourage and increase the motivation for developing cognitive

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skills. This approach can help them address learning gaps within

the school and provide enrichment opportunities.

Schools. This study will provide a modern and engaging

learning environment for different schools that aligns with the

technological-based learning. With these, schools can promote the

use of educational apps that are developed based on cognitive

science principles, providing students with targeted exercises

and activities designed to enhance the cognitive skills such as

problem-solving, critical thinking, memory retention, etc.

Department of Education. Since the goal of the Department of

Education is promotion of quality education, this study would

serve as a basis in creating policies involving the promotion of

using application on providing knowledge to learners,

specifically on developing their cognitive skills. DepEd can

drive innovation, equity, and excellence in education, ultimately

empowering students with the cognitive skills they need to thrive

in the 21st century. Overall, this will also enhance students’

engagement, academic achievement, and future success by

leveraging technology to create a dynamic and effective learning

experiences.

Curriculum Designers. This manuscript will help them come up

with an idea that utilizing apps to develop cognitive skills can

significantly enhance the effectiveness and relevance of the

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educational programs. By harnessing the capabilities of

educational apps, curriculum makers can create a more engaging,

personalized, and effective learning experiences that promotes

the development of essential cognitive skills among students.

Smart Technology Creators. The findings of this study will

help them lie their ability to leverage cutting-edge technology

to enhance learning outcomes. Also, through the knowledge of

smart technology creators, gamification, interactive simulations,

and immersive experiences would be possible, as the apps that

they will develop can capture learners’ interest and foster

intrinsic motivation to engage with cognitive skill development

activities. Moreover, through them, they will contribute on

empowering individuals to continue developing their cognitive

skills even beyond traditional classroom setting.

Society. The findings of this study will be profound, as it

will offer numerous benefits for individual growth, societal

progress, and overall well-being. This will allow people on

communities to acquire opportunities for lifelong learning,

allowing individuals to continuously challenge themselves,

acquire new knowledge, and adapt to changing environments and

demands. By leveraging technology to enhance cognitive skill

development, individuals can unlock their full potential and

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contribute to a more knowledgeable, skilled, and prosperous

society.

Future Researchers. The findings of this study would serve

as another source of information or serve as a reference/guide of

future researchers in making a study related to developing the

cognitive skills of an individual by using an app.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the Elevate

application in enhancing the cognitive skills of the bona fide

Grade 8 students of the University of Eastern Philippines Laoang

Laboratory High School during the S.Y. 2024-2025. Data collection

will involve the utilization of the Elevate application and a

questionnaire: a pretest and posttest. Initially, a pretest will

be administered to establish a baseline level of cognitive skills

of the Grade 8 students. Subsequently, a posttest will be

conducted after allowing the respondents to engage with the

Elevate application continuously for five days.

It's important to note that students from other grade levels

at the University of Eastern Philippines Laoang Laboratory High

School will not be part of this study. Additionally, the

uncertain availability of smartphones among students, as well as

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the limited time they may have to participate, could potentially

impact participation rates, data collection, and questionnaire

completion. Furthermore, there is uncertainty regarding whether

the respondents will have access to data and whether the signal

strength will be sufficient for using the Elevate application

effectively. Moreover, this study will not emphasize factors

unrelated to the main variables that may arise during its

implementation.

Theoretical Framework

The Learning Theory of Cognitivism concentrates on how a

person's mind receives, organizes, saves

and retrieves information. The cognitive theory believes that the

human mind functions like an information processor or computer.

Therefore, the cognitivist approach looks beyond noticeable

behavior, considering learning as an internal mental process.5

The said theory relates to the present study since it

centers on how information is processed within the mind. It

asserts that learners play an active role in information

processing, and so there is a focus on developing areas such as

knowledge, memory, comprehension, and problem-solving. With this,

5
Cognitive Learning Theory: A Teachers Guide (2022). Retrieved on April
6, 2024. [Link]
theories
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it suggests that learners can actively construct knowledge by

organizing and integrating new information with their existing

mental frameworks.

Furthermore, the study is also associated to Zone of

Proximal Development and Scaffolding Theory by Vygotsky. This

theory refers to the difference between what a learner can do

without help and what he or she can achieve with guidance and

encouragement from a skilled partner. ZPD is the zone where

instruction is the most beneficial, as it is when the task is

just beyond the individual’s capabilities. To learn, we must be

presented with tasks just out of our ability range. Challenging

tasks promote maximum cognitive growth.6

The theory has a connection on the present study as this

also tackles what a learner can do without assistance and what

they can achieve with guidance and support. Apps can be designed

to operate within a user’s ZPD by providing activities and

challenges that are slightly beyond their current level of

ability. This encourages growth by pushing users to develop new

skills understanding on their own. Furthermore, apps can

incorporate scaffolding techniques, such as providing hints,

6
S. Mcleod (2024). Vygotsky’s Zone Of Proximal Development And
Scaffolding Theory. [Link]
[Link]
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feedback, and gradual increases in difficulty to help users

progress through their ZPD, making them be able to develop their

full-potential skills on cognitive.

Moreover, Cognitive Load Theory explains the way that we

consider working memory while teaching complex concepts or

solving problems. A higher cognitive load lowers the percentage

of information that is stored in long term memory because you

overwhelm your working memory. When you see something, hear

something, or take in any type of information through the senses,

it enters your sensory memory. From here, your brain quickly

filters out the information that is irrelevant. Once the

information has moved to your working memory, your brain begins

to process it, or forget it.7

With this, the theory has a connection with this study as it

suggests that there are limits to the amount of information our

brains can process at once. Apps can be designed to manage

cognitive load effectively by presenting information in a way

that minimizes unnecessary cognitive strain while maximizing

learning. For instance, apps can utilize techniques such as

chunking information into smaller, more manageable pieces,

7
Practical Psychology (2023). Cognitive Load Theory (Definition +
Examples). [Link]
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providing clear instructions and feedback, and reducing

distractions to optimize cognitive load. By presenting content in

a structured and organized manner, apps can enhance learning and

problem-solving abilities, improve memory retention, and promote

deeper understanding of concepts. Also, by strategically spacing

out practice sessions, apps can help users retain information

more effectively and develop stronger cognitive skills over time.

Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework of this study was the efficacy of

Elevate Application and the cognitive skills of the students of

University of Eastern Philippines Laoang Laboratory High School

using the elevate Application. This study assumed that the

Elevate Application is effective in developing the cognitive

skills of the students. Moreover, significant difference of the

respondents’ result on the pretest (before using the Elevate

application) and posttest (after using the Elevate application)

will be tested.
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Paradigm

Input Process Output

Result of the Intervention of Result of the

respondents on Elevate respondents on
Pre-test application Post-test

Figure 1: The Paradigm of cognitive skills and the Elevate application.

Hypothesis

To answer the questions posed in this study, the given null

hypothesis will be tested:

Ho1: There is no significant difference between the pretest and

posttest result of the respondents.

Definition of Terms

The following terms are herein defined conceptually and

operationally to facilitate understanding of the contents of this

study.
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Cognitive skills. Conceptually, are the functions that the

brain uses to think, pay attention, process information, and

remember things (Coursera Staff. Cognitive Skills).8

Operationally, are natural skills of taking information and

applying it in daily lives.

Application. Conceptually, an act of putting something to

use.9 Operationally, a type of software that performs specific

functions.

Elevate. Conceptually, to increase the level of something.10

Operationally, an application that covers some entertaining games

to enhance the cognitive skills of a person.

Coursera Staff (2023). Cognitive Skills: What They Are, Why They
Matter, and How They’re Used. [Link]
skills

9
Merriam–Webster Dictionary. Application. Retrieved on April, 2024

10
Merriam–Webster Dictionary. Elevate. Retrieved on April, 2024