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Sex/gender differences in general cognitive abilities: an investigation using the Leiter-3
David Giofrè1, Enrico Toffalini2, Lorenzo Esposito3
1Disfor, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy. david.giofre@gmail.com.
Cognitive Processing
|May 15, 2024
Summary
Cognitive differences between males and females exist in specific tasks, not general intelligence. Males excel in spatial manipulation, while females show stronger attention and inhibition control, impacting clinical assessments.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Sex/gender differences in cognitive abilities are complex and not fully understood.
- General intelligence appears consistent across sexes, but specific cognitive functions may vary.
- Previous research suggests nuanced differences in specific cognitive domains between males and females.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sex/gender differences in cognitive abilities using a nonverbal assessment.
- To explore variations in specific cognitive factors beyond general intelligence.
- To examine the influence of biological sex and social gender on cognitive performance.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Italian standardization of the Leiter-3, a nonverbal cognitive battery.
- Employed a multigroup confirmatory factor analysis approach.
- Analyzed cognitive performance data considering sex/gender as a variable.
Main Results:
- Confirmed similar performance in general intelligence between males and females.
- Identified sex/gender-specific strengths: males superior in some spatial manipulation tasks.
- Females consistently outperformed males in tasks requiring inhibition and attention control, such as the nonverbal Stroop.
Conclusions:
- Sex/gender influences specific cognitive abilities rather than general intelligence.
- Findings highlight distinct cognitive profiles for males and females.
- Emphasizes the need for tailored clinical assessments and interventions based on identified cognitive strengths and weaknesses.
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