Methodological Challenges and Solutions When Conducting a Multicenter, Online, Randomized Controlled Trial of Brain Training Within a Public Service Organization

Abstract

Field-based intervention studies of workers’ cognitive capacities, mental well-being, and performance-based productivity are rare in the literature and notoriously difficult to implement. Here, the authors critically examine their experience while conducting a randomized controlled trial of Internet-based brain training within a large multisite Australian national public service organization. In particular, the authors discuss the methodological challenges faced during the recruitment, assessment, and follow-up stages of this research, as well as issues related to the logistical and organizational dynamics of a real-world workplace. Moreover, the authors detail their responses and potential solutions to these challenges and hence provide recommendations for future field research in organizational settings.

KEYWORDS:

• brain training
• cognition
• well-being
• productivity
• organizational research