Neuroelectric indices of attention are related to academic skills in preschool-aged children

Abstract

PurposeThis study assessed the relationship between neuroelectric indices of attention and inhibition and academic skills in children 4–6 years-old. We hypothesized that modulation of the P3 and N2 components would be related to academic skills. MethodsParticipants (N = 27, 16 female) completed The Woodcock Johnson Early Cognitive and Academic Development Test to assess general intellectual abilities (GIA) and early academic skills (EAS). Electroencephalography was recorded during an auditory oddball task to elicit P3 and N2 components. Two-step linear regressions including age, sex, income, and GIA assessed relationships between P3 and N2 modulations and EAS. ResultsP3 peak amplitude (R2=0.765, β=0.379, p = 0.030) and N2 mean (R2=0.759, β=0.302, p = 0.039) and peak (R2=0.759, β=0.303, p = 0.038) amplitude modulation were positively related to EAS. ConclusionUpregulation of P3 and N2 components was associated with EAS independent of GIA. Therefore, neuroelectric assessments of attention and inhibition may a biomarker of academic achievement in early childhood.