Processing speed mediates the development of general intelligence (g) in adolescence
Thomas R Coyle1, David R Pillow, Anissa C Snyder
1Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, TX 78249, USA. thomas.coyle@utsa.edu
Psychological Science
|September 21, 2011
Summary
Adolescent general intelligence (g) development is significantly influenced by processing speed. This study found that improvements in mental speed largely account for the growth of cognitive abilities during teenage years.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- General intelligence (g) development during adolescence is a critical area of research.
- Understanding the underlying mechanisms driving cognitive growth is essential for educational and clinical interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mediating role of processing speed in the development of general intelligence (g) in adolescents.
- To determine if age-related increases in g are explained by changes in mental speed.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (N = 6,969) comprising 13- to 17-year-olds.
- Administered the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a comprehensive set of 12 cognitive tests.
- Assessed both processing speed and general intelligence (g) within this adolescent cohort.
Main Results:
- The direct impact of age on general intelligence (g) was relatively small.
- The total effect of age on g was substantial, with processing speed acting as a near-complete mediator.
- Increases in mental speed were strongly associated with gains in general intelligence (g).
Conclusions:
- Processing speed plays a crucial mediating role in adolescent general intelligence (g) development.
- The observed growth in cognitive abilities during adolescence is largely attributable to enhanced mental speed.
- These findings highlight the importance of cognitive processing speed in intellectual maturation.
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