Spontaneous EEG correlates of intellectual functioning in talented and handicapped adolescents

EEG correlates of intellectual functioning were investigated in 35 academically talented and 20 academically handicapped adolescents. EEG data from Ertl's Brainwave Analyzer were factor-analyzed and factor scores entered into regression equations predicting four primary mental abilities, verbal, numerical, reasoning, spatial, and two sequential tests of educational progress, reading and mathematics. Analysis indicated that (1) frequency ratio, with relatively greater left-hemisphere activity was the most important EEG variable related to mental functioning in the talented group; (2) while EEG period and alpha ratio were the two most important EEG variables related to intellectual functioning in the mentally handicapped group; (3) hemispheric symmetry was of some importance for both groups, with greater symmetry being associated with superior performance. Contrary to Ertl's neural efficiency theory, (1) neural information transfer rate was significantly positively (not negatively as predicted) related to intellectual performance (for the handicapped group only), and (2) alpha was significantly related to intellectual functioning (for the handicapped group only). Further research is needed to extend and confirm the above findings dealing with persons scoring in the normal IQ range and during mentally active as well as resting conditions.