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Updated: May 20, 2026

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Published on: February 6, 2019
Global connectivity of prefrontal cortex predicts cognitive control and intelligence
Michael W Cole1, Tal Yarkoni, Grega Repovs
1Psychology Department, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA. mwcole@mwcole.net
Cognitive control, essential for human intelligence, is managed by a frontoparietal network. This study reveals that global connectivity in the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) acts as a brainwide hub, enhancing fluid intelligence.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Brain Imaging
Background:
- Cognitive control is crucial for human intelligence and is supported by a frontoparietal brain network.
- Understanding the mechanisms coordinating this network is key to explaining individual differences in intelligence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the mechanism by which the frontoparietal network coordinates cognitive control.
- To investigate the role of global connectivity in a specific brain region, the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC), in relation to cognitive control and fluid intelligence.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to measure brain activity.
- Analysis focused on the activity and global connectivity of an LPFC region during a working memory task.
- Individual differences in fluid intelligence were assessed.
Main Results:
- Activity in the LPFC predicted performance in a high-demand working memory task.
- This LPFC region exhibited high global connectivity, linking it to other brain networks.
- Global connectivity in the LPFC selectively correlated with individual differences in fluid intelligence.
Conclusions:
- The LPFC functions as a global hub with brainwide influence.
- Global connectivity within the LPFC facilitates cognitive control processes essential for human intelligence.
- This mechanism helps explain individual variations in fluid intelligence.
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