Event-related potential correlates of some human cognitive ability constructs

Event-related brain potentials arguably provide evidence for a relationship between intelligence and low-level brain processes based, at least partial ly, on physiological speed. Hierarchical models of cognitive abilities (e.g ., Gf-Gc theory) describe constructs at different levels of complexity of i nformation processing. Such hierarchies place tests of speed of processing at a low level of the information processing hierarchy [although, in factor analytic terms, general processing speed (Gs) is located at the same level as other general abilities]. The question arises: can a differential patte rn of relationships between ERP latencies and cognitive abilities be discer ned? Tests from the Woodcock-Johnson Psyche-Educational Battery Revised (an operationalisation of Gf-Gc theory) were administered to 64 adults. ERPs w ere recorded to pattern reversal stimuli and during inspection time (IT) es timation. ERP deflections with latencies from about 70 ms up to about 240 m s were negatively correlated with tests of cognitive abilities. The highest correlations were with a measure of fluid ability, but no differential pat tern of correlations was found. The results are consistent with previous re search in this area. That is, ERP latencies and tests of cognitive abilitie s share 10-25% of variance. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reser ved.