Norbert Jaušovec

Differences in Cognitive Processes between Gifted, Intelligent, Creative, and Average Individuals While Solving Complex Problems: An EEG Study.

Abstract This study investigated the differences in cognitive processes related to creativity and intelligence using EEG coherence and power measures in the lower (α1=7.9–10.0 Hz) and upper alpha band (α2=10.1–12.9 Hz). In two experiments, gifted, creative, intelligent subjects, and individuals of average ability solved closed and open problems while their EEG was recorded. The analysis of EEG measures in Experiment 1 indicated that highly intelligent individuals (HIQ—gifted and intelligent) showed higher alpha power (less mental activity) and more cooperation between brain areas when solving closed problems than did average intelligent individuals (AIQ—creative and average). Much more pronounced were the differences in EEG patterns obtained in Experiment 2. Highly creative individuals (HC—gifted and creative) displayed less mental activity than did average creative individuals (AC—intelligent and average) when engaged in the solution of different creative problems. Creative individuals also showed more cooperation between brain areas than did gifted ones, who showed greater decoupling of brain areas when solving ill-defined problems. The results of both experiments suggest that creativity and intelligence are different abilities that also differ in the neurological activity displayed by individuals while solving open or closed problems. The results further suggest that a selective involvement of cortical zones that are relevant for the solution of a problem could be an explanation for the observed differences in problem solving.

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 induced brain activity during the performance of learning and working-memory tasks related to intelligence

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

Increasing working memory capacity with theta transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS)

Creativity - standardized scores:

Resting brain activity: Differences between genders

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