English

Intelligence and Neural Efficiency: Sex- and Task-Related Effects on EEG Coherence

In SSRN Electronic Journal. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.7176638 Beneath EEG mapping methods (e.g. Event Related Desynchronization, ERD) which focus on the level of cortical activation the coherence parameter is used to assess the level of functional coupling of brain areas. As there is strong empirical evidence that highly intelligent individuals display a more focused pattern in contrast to a more global pattern of activation during cognitive performance they should be characterized by a lower ERD as well as a lower task related coherence. In a sample of 26 males and 26 females we administered verbal, numerical and figural versions of the Posner task. Twentyseven-channel scalp EEGs were recorded and Common Average Reference was calculated. Inter- and intrahemispheric task related coherence of EEG activity was computed. Four frequency bands were determined individually for each participant. The results show significant content- and sex related differences in both inter- and intrahemispheric task related coherence for theta and alpha bands. Generally, for all frequency bands total interhemispheric and long distance intrahemispheric coherence produced a consistent pattern

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