Does Resting-state EEG Band Power Reflect Fluid Intelligence?

Abstract

Fluid intelligence refers to the ability to engage in abstract reasoning, which is independent of life experiences and knowledge. Brain studies have associated fluid intelligence with resting-state electroencephalograms (EEGs). This study investigated the relationship between resting-state EEG band power and fluid intelligence. The resting-state EEGs of 39 healthy volunteers were recorded from 32 scalp locations with a linked ears reference while the subjects were positioned in a Faraday cage for 15 min (10 min, eyes open; 5 min, eyes closed). The same participants completed the Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM) test. Brain electrical activity was divided into delta, theta, alpha, and beta bands, and correlation coefficients were calculated to identify associations between the resting-state EEG powers and RSPM scores. The mean RSPM score of the participants was 49.31 (females=50.43, males=48). No correlation between the resting-state EEG power values (delta, theta, alpha, and beta bands) and fluid intelligence was found. The results of correlation analyses showed no relationship between EEG data and intelligence scores. These results indicate that data on resting-state EEG power values do not contribute to an understanding of fluid intelligence. However, brain network studies may deepen our understanding of the neural mechanisms underpinning intelligence.