An evidence-based method for examining and reporting cognitive processes in nutrition research

Area of Science:

• Cognitive neuroscience
• Nutritional science
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Cognitive outcomes are common endpoints in nutrition research.
• Combining cognitive test results into broader abilities is standard practice to reduce statistical comparisons.
• A lack of consensus exists on the best methods for grouping cognitive data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review contemporary models of human cognition.
• To propose a standardized, evidence-based method for grouping cognitive test data.
• To enhance the interpretability and generalizability of cognitive outcomes in nutrition research.

Main Methods:

• Review of contemporary models of human cognition, specifically Carroll's model and the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) model.
• Proposal of a standardized method for grouping cognitive test data based on these empirically derived taxonomies.
• Discussion of the application of the CHC model for synthesizing cognitive outcomes in systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Main Results:

• The Cattell-Horn-Carroll model provides an empirically based taxonomy of human cognition.
• This model can serve as a cognitive 'map' to guide the analysis of cognitive outcomes in nutrition research.
• A standardized approach using cognitive nomenclature facilitates comparisons across studies and enhances the validity of cognitive endpoints.

Conclusions:

• Adopting a valid cognitive nomenclature provides a common language for clinical nutrition research.
• This standardization improves the interpretability and comparability of cognitive outcomes from different interventions.
• Using empirically derived nomenclature ensures theoretically valid and meaningful cognitive endpoints, increasing the generalizability of trial results.