Ksenija Jaušovec

Working memory training: Improving intelligence – Changing brain activity

The main objectives of the study were: to investigate whether training on working memory (WM) could improve fluid intelligence, and to investigate the effects WM training had on neuroelectric (electroencephalography - EEG) and hemodynamic (near-infrared spectroscopy - NIRS) patterns of brain activity. In a parallel group experimental design, respondents of the working memory group after 30 h of training significantly increased performance on all tests of fluid intelligence. By contrast, respondents of the active control group (participating in a 30-h communication training course) showed no improvements in performance. The influence of WM training on patterns of neuroelectric brain activity was most pronounced in the theta and alpha bands. Theta and lower-1 alpha band synchronization was accompanied by increased lower-2 and upper alpha desynchronization. The hemodynamic patterns of brain activity after the training changed from higher right hemispheric activation to a balanced activity of both frontal areas. The neuroelectric as well as hemodynamic patterns of brain activity suggest that the training influenced WM maintenance functions as well as processes directed by the central executive. The changes in upper alpha band desynchronization could further indicate that processes related to long term memory were also influenced.

Correlations between ERP parameters and intelligence: a reconsideration

The present study investigated differences in ERP parameters related to intelligence. For that purpose 74 individuals (Intelligence: M=107; S.D.=12; range 73-135), of average creativity passively listened to two tones and performed two auditory, and two visual oddball tasks while their EEG was recorded. The approximate entropy parameters, peak latencies and amplitudes were determined. The correlation coefficients indicated that in the attended conditions, the more intelligent individuals showed more regular ERP waveforms than less intelligent individuals. It was further found that less intelligent individuals showed increased P300 latencies and reduced amplitudes. The differences were explained with a more specific engagement of neural networks in more intelligent individuals.

Differences in resting EEG related to ability.

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between different EEG measures (mean power, mean frequency, approximated entropy and coherence), and ability (creativity and intelligence). For that purpose the EEG of 115 student-teachers (Intelligence:

Differences in event-related and induced EEG patterns in the theta and alpha frequency bands related to human emotional intelligence

\underline {\text{M}} = 115.17;\underline {{\text{SD}}} = 12.78;{\text{IQ}}_{{\text{min}}} = 82;{\text{IQ}}_{{\text{max}}} = 136;

Differences in EEG current density related to intelligence

Creativity - standardized scores:

Sex differences in brain activity related to general and emotional intelligence.

\underline {\text{M}} = 55.97;\underline {{\text{SD}}} = 10.67;{\text{C}}_{{\text{min}}} = 38;{\text{C}}_{{\text{max}}} = 84)