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A watershed model of individual differences in fluid intelligence.

ABSTRACT: Fluid intelligence is a crucial cognitive ability that predicts key life outcomes across the lifespan. Strong empirical links exist between fluid intelligence and processing speed on the one hand, and white matter integrity and processing speed on the other. We propose a watershed model that integrates these three explanatory levels in a principled manner in a single statistical model, with processing speed and white matter figuring as intermediate endophenotypes. We fit this model in a large (N=555) adult lifespan cohort from the Cambridge Centre for Ageing and Neuroscience (Cam-CAN) using multiple measures of processing speed, white matter health and fluid intelligence. The model fit the data well, outperforming competing models and providing evidence for a many-to-one mapping between white matter integrity, processing speed and fluid intelligence. The model can be naturally extended to integrate other cognitive domains, endophenotypes and genotypes.

SUBMITTER: Kievit RA

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5081064 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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A watershed model of individual differences in fluid intelligence.

Kievit Rogier A RA Davis Simon W SW Griffiths John J Correia Marta M MM Cam-Can Henson Richard N RN

Neuropsychologia 20160809

Fluid intelligence is a crucial cognitive ability that predicts key life outcomes across the lifespan. Strong empirical links exist between fluid intelligence and processing speed on the one hand, and white matter integrity and processing speed on the other. We propose a watershed model that integrates these three explanatory levels in a principled manner in a single statistical model, with processing speed and white matter figuring as intermediate endophenotypes. We fit this model in a large (N ...[more]

PMID: 27520470

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A watershed model of individual differences in fluid intelligence.

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A watershed model of individual differences in fluid intelligence.

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