Differences in EEG alpha activity related to giftedness

Journal/Book: Intelligence. 1996; 23: PO Box 5297, Greenwich, CT 06831-0504. Ablex Publ Corp. 159-173.

Abstract: In three experiments, differences in EEG alpha activity between gifted (mean IQ = 137) and average (mean IQ = 105) individuals were investigated. EEG activity was monitored over 16 scalp locations. A fast Fourier transform was performed on 15 artifact-free 2-second chunks of data to derive a spectral power average in the alpha band (7.5-13 Hz). In the first experiment, EEG of gifted and average individuals during two relaxation phases--eyes closed and eyes open--was recorded. Gifted individuals showed higher EEG alpha power only while resting with eyes open. In the second experiment, gifted and average individuals solved two problems that were divided into phases of problem solving and preparing for problem solving (reading, making a plan of how to solve the problem). Significant differences were obtained only for the problem-solving stages. Gifted individuals in comparison with average ones showed higher alpha power (less mental effort) while solving the two problems. The third experiment investigated whether the lower mental activity displayed by gifted individuals was related to their ability to form more abstract schemata. For that purpose EEG was recorded while gifted and average individuals memorized lists of words and pictures that either allowed, or did not allow? for classification into more abstract categories. For both types of lists, gifted individuals displayed higher alpha power than average ones. The results obtained confirm the hypothesis that the higher EEG alpha power during information processing displayed by gifted individuals may derive from the nonuse of many brain areas not required for the problem at hand.

Note: Article Jausovec N, Pedagoska Fak Maribor, Koroska 160, Maribor 2000, SLOVENIA

Keyword(s): INTELLIGENCE

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