Integrated Intelligence from Distributed Brain Activity.

John Duncan,Sneha Shashidhara,Moataz Assem

doi:10.1016/j.tics.2020.06.012

Abstract

How does organized cognition arise from distributed brain activity? Recent analyses of fluid intelligence suggest a core process of cognitive focus and integration, organizing the components of a cognitive operation into the required computational structure. A cortical 'multiple-demand' (MD) system is closely linked to fluid intelligence, and recent imaging data define nine specific MD patches distributed across frontal, parietal, and occipitotemporal cortex. Wide cortical distribution, relative functional specialization, and strong connectivity suggest a basis for cognitive integration, matching electrophysiological evidence for binding of cognitive operations to their contents. Though still only in broad outline, these data suggest how distributed brain activity can build complex, organized cognition.

Highlights

We begin with recent work on the cognitive mechanisms of fluid intelligence
We suggest that accounts of fluid intelligence based on control and integration reflect two views of the same process
Several previous accounts link fluid intelligence to this widespread MD connectivity [57], including a recent ‘network neuroscience’ proposal [58]. In line with such ideas, our results suggest that the MD system is well placed for attentional integration (Figure 5A)

Summary

Introduction

We begin with recent work on the cognitive mechanisms of fluid intelligence (see Glossary). Fluid intelligence tests predict success in many activities, suggesting cognitive mechanisms of broad importance. We consider several possible contributors to positive manifold, but the broad ability of fluid intelligence tests to predict success in many kinds of activity, from laboratory tests to life achievements, suggests cognitive mechanisms of widespread importance in mental life.

Results

Conclusion