Occupational, Organizational, and Leadership Psychology Neuropsychology, Cognitive Psychology, and Behavioral Neuroscience

The Effect of Multiple Intelligences-Based Cognitive Enrichment Training on Executive Functions, Working Memory, and Entrepreneurial Competencies in Adolescent Startup Entrepreneurs

https://doi.org/10.61838/ijbmc.v14i3.586
Multiple intelligences Executive functions Working memory Entrepreneurship Cognitive enrichment

Authors

  • Fatemeh Kashi Department of Educational Psychology, Ard.C., Islamic Azad University, Ardabil, Iran.
  • Ozra Ghaffari Nouran
    o.ghaffari@iauardabil.ac.ir
    Department of Psychology, Ard.C., Islamic Azad University, Ardabil, Iran.
  • Ali Rezaei-Sharif Department of Counseling, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
  • Ali Sheikholeslami Department of Counseling, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
In Press
Quantitative Study(ies)

Objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of a multiple intelligences-based cognitive enrichment training program on executive functions, working memory, and entrepreneurial components in adolescent startup entrepreneurs.

Methods and Materials: A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design with a control group was employed. Forty adolescents active in the Tehran startup ecosystem were selected and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 20) or a control group (n = 20). The experimental group participated in a 14-session cognitive enrichment program based on Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, while the control group continued routine activities. Executive functions were assessed using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, working memory was evaluated using the Working Memory Questionnaire, and entrepreneurial components were measured using a standardized Entrepreneurship Questionnaire. Assessments were conducted at pretest, posttest, and follow-up.

Findings: Participants in the experimental group showed significant improvements in executive functions, working memory, and entrepreneurial components compared to the control group. The intervention enhanced cognitive flexibility, planning, problem-solving, and memory updating, while also strengthening initiative, innovation, leadership, and decision-making skills.

Conclusion: Multiple intelligences-based cognitive enrichment training is an effective intervention for enhancing both cognitive and entrepreneurial competencies in adolescent startup entrepreneurs. Integrating cognitive skill development with practical entrepreneurial tasks can foster adolescents’ readiness for real-world startup challenges, promote innovation, and support adaptive problem-solving and decision-making.