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CORRELATIONS BETWEEN INTELLIGENCE, HEAD CIRCUMFERENCE AND HEIGHT: EVIDENCE FROM TWO SAMPLES IN SAUDI ARABIA
Salaheldin Farah Attallah Bakhiet1, Yossry Ahmed Sayed Essa1, Amira Mahmood Mohsen Dwieb1
1*King Saud University,Riyadh,Saudi Arabia.
Journal of Biosocial Science
|June 4, 2016
Summary
Intelligence in Saudi schoolchildren aged 6-12 years showed a significant correlation with head circumference and height. This finding suggests a potential link between physical measurements and cognitive abilities in this age group.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Developmental Psychology
- Educational Neuroscience
Background:
- Understanding the relationship between physical development and cognitive function is crucial for identifying potential developmental markers.
- Previous research has explored anthropometric measures and intelligence, but findings in specific populations require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between intelligence, head circumference, and height in Saudi schoolchildren.
- To analyze these relationships in two distinct groups: general school pupils and boys with learning disabilities.
Main Methods:
- Two independent studies were conducted involving 1812 Saudi pupils aged 6-12 years.
- Intelligence was assessed using Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) and SPM Plus.
- Head circumference and height were measured for all participants.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant positive correlation was found between intelligence and head circumference in both Study I (r=0.350, p<0.001) and Study II (r=0.168, p<0.05).
- Intelligence also showed a significant positive correlation with height in Study I (r=0.271, p<0.001) and Study II (r=0.178, p<0.05).
Conclusions:
- Intelligence in Saudi schoolchildren is significantly associated with both head circumference and height.
- These findings suggest that anthropometric measurements may serve as indicators related to cognitive development in children.
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