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Application of Passive Head Motion to Generate Defined Accelerations at the Heads of Rodents

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Making Brains run Faster: are they Becoming Smarter?

Anja Pahor¹, Norbert Jaušovec¹

¹University of Maribor(Slovenia).

The Spanish Journal of Psychology

|December 6, 2016

Summary

Individual alpha frequency (IAF) shows no overall correlation with general intelligence (g). However, IAF correlates with specific cognitive abilities and shows sex-specific effects, particularly when modulated by transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS).

Keywords:

individual alpha frequency scope of attention sex differences transcranial alternating current stimulation upper alpha working memory

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Utilizing Electroencephalography Measurements for Comparison of Task-Specific Neural Efficiencies: Spatial Intelligence Tasks

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Published on: August 9, 2016

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cognitive Psychology
Psychometrics

Background:

Intelligence (g) is linked to brain structure and function.
Major theories include Neural Efficiency, P-FIT, and Multiple-Demand systems.
The relationship between individual alpha frequency (IAF) and g requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the relationship between individual alpha frequency (IAF) and general intelligence (g).
To investigate sex-specific correlations between IAF and cognitive abilities.
To examine the causal effect of IAF modulation on cognitive performance.

Main Methods:

Correlational analyses in a large sample (n=417) relating IAF and IQ.
Task-based correlational analyses of IAF with attention and reaction time.
Experimental manipulation of IAF using transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS).

Main Results:

No significant overall correlation between IAF and IQ.
Sex-specific correlations observed between IAF and cognitive tasks (e.g., mental rotation, reaction time).
tACS-induced IAF changes disrupted male performance on Raven's matrices but mildly benefited females, altering neuro-electric activity.

Conclusions:

IAF is not a direct correlate of general intelligence (g).
Sex differences in brain activity may mediate the relationship between IAF and cognitive performance.
IAF modulation via tACS has differential effects on cognitive tasks based on sex.