Neuroimaging intelligence testing: Difference between revisions

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Revision as of 10:37, 27 December 2024

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[[File:Functional magnetic resonance imaging.jpg|thumbnail|fMRI data showing regions of activation|250x250px]]'''Neuroimaging intelligence testing''' concerns the use of [[neuroimaging]] techniques to evaluate human [[intelligence]]. Neuroimaging technology has advanced such that scientists hope to use neuroimaging increasingly for investigations of brain function related to [[Intelligence quotient|IQ]].

== IQ testing ==

Traditional IQ tests observe the test-taker's performance in a standardized battery of samples of behavior. The resulting IQ standard score is the subject of much investigation as psychologists check correlations between IQ and other life outcomes. The [[Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale|Wechsler]] IQ tests for adults and for children have long been regarded as the "gold standard" in IQ testing.<ref name="WechslerGold" />

[[File:Functional magnetic resonance imaging.jpg|thumbnail|fMRI data showing regions of activation]]

== Neural bases of intelligence ==

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===Neural conduction speed===

{{See also|Neural efficiency hypothesis}}

[[nerve conduction study|Nerve conduction velocity]] (NCV) has been studied, giving varying results. Some have hypothesized that "higher intelligence is associated with better 'neural efficiency.'" A few studies suggested an association between nerve conduction velocity and scores on the Multidimensional Aptitude Battery (MAB). However, other studies have challenged these claims, finding little correlation between nerve conduction velocity and reaction time (RT).<ref name=deary2 />

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== Ethical implications ==

[[Privacy]] and [[confidentiality]] are major concerns for neuroimaging studies. With high-resolution anatomical images, such as those generated by [[fMRI]], it is possible to identify individual subjects, putting their personal and or/ [[medical privacy]] at risk. It is possible to create surface renderings of the brain and face from a [[volumetric]] MRI, which can be paired with photographs to identify the individual.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Kulynych|first=J|title=Legal and ethical issues in neuroimaging research: human subjects protection, medical privacy, and the public communication of research results.|journal=Brain and Cognition|date=December 2002|volume=50|issue=3|pages=345–57|pmid=12480482|doi=10.1016/S0278-2626(02)00518-3|s2cid=2559078}}</ref>

It is becoming more accepted that a neurobiological basis for intelligence exists (at least for reasoning and problem-solving). The success of these intelligence studies present ethical issues. A large concern for the general population is the issue of [[race and intelligence]]. While little variation has been found between racial groups, the public perception of intelligence studies has been negatively impacted by concerns of [[racism]]. It is important to consider the consequences of studies that investigate intelligence differences in population-groups (racial or ethnic) and if it is ethical to conduct these studies. A study suggesting that one group is biologically more intelligent than another may cause tension. This has made neuroscientists reluctant to investigate individual or group differences in intelligence, as they may be perceived as racist.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Gray|first=Jeremy R.|author2=Thompson, Paul M.|title=Neurobiology of intelligence: science and ethics|journal=Nature Reviews Neuroscience|date=1 June 2004|volume=5|issue=6|pages=471–482|doi=10.1038/nrn1405|pmid=15152197|s2cid=2430677 }}</ref>

==See also==

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[[Category:Intelligence]]

[[Category:Neuroimaging]]

[[Category:Intelligence tests]]

[[Category:Neuropsychological tests]]

[[Category:Cognitive tests]]

[[Category:Psychological testing]]