Sex differences on the Progressive Matrices are influenced by sex differences on spatial ability

Factorial Invariance of the Anadolu Sak Intelligence Scale Across Gender

The purpose of this study was to examine the factorial invariance of the ASIS (Anadolu Sak Intelligence Scale) across gender. Raw scores from the ASIS standardization study ( N = 4641) were used in the analyses. Factorial invariance was analyzed by gender across three age groups: 4–7 ( N = 2528), 8–9 ( N = 848), and 10–12 ( N = 1265) using the Multisample Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Six models were developed from unconstrained to more constrained to test the factorial invariance. Each model tested one hypothesis. The findings showed that the second-order g model of the ASIS was invariant in all age groups. In addition, the first-order and second-order factor loadings and g variance were invariant across gender. A partial subtest intercept invariance was found for ages 4–7. Findings imply that ASIS factor scores mean the same latent variable for boys and girls in different age groups.

Find the Mistake!

Abstract. Reasoning ability has commonly been regarded as the best predictor of academic and occupational success. Due to concerns about the validity of multiple-choice (MC) formats, test security breaches, and the fact that the difficulty levels of most existing reasoning assessments target the population mean, there is a constant need for new reliable and valid test instruments that can be applied to assess fluid intelligence in advanced cognitive performance areas. We developed a novel computerized figural matrices test to assess nonverbal reasoning for university student aptitude assessment. In two studies, we generated, revised, and empirically validated the Isometric Matrices Test (IMT). Our results show that the IMT is less prone to test-wiseness strategies than existing reasoning tests. In a third study, we created and evaluated an innovative Find the Mistake (FtM) response format as an alternative to classical multiple-choice formats. Overall, both response formats revealed satisfactory psychometric quality in terms of item difficulties and discrimination, test-retest reliability, construct and criterion validity, and Rasch or two-parameter logistic (2PL) model fit, but in one MC version, the internal consistency was low due to negative discrimination indices. The MC response format turned out to be easier than the FtM format, with men slightly outperforming women in both response modes. We propose the IMT as a useful tool for assessing nonverbal reasoning ability in above-average performance areas and discuss the automatic generation of larger IMT item pools for adaptive testing in order to increase test security and reliability.

Blending oxytocin and dopamine with everyday creativity

Converging evidence suggests that oxytocin (OT) is associated with creative thinking (CT) and that release of OT depends on ADP ribosyl-cyclases (CD38 and CD157). Neural mechanisms of CT and OT show a strong association with dopaminergic (DA) pathways, yet the link between CT and CD38, CD157, dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) peripheral gene expression remain inconclusive, thus limiting our understanding of the neurobiology of CT. To address this issue, two principal domains of CT, divergent thinking (AUT), were assessed. In men, both AUT is associated with gene expression of CD38, CD157, and their interaction CD38 × CD157. There were no significant associations for DA expression (DRD2, COMT, DRD2 × COMT) on both CT measures. However, analysis of the interactions of OT and DA systems reveal significant interactions for AUT in men. The full model explained a sizable 39% of the variance in females for the total CT score. The current findings suggest that OT and DA gene expression contributed significantly to cognition and CT phenotype. This provides the first empirical foundation of a more refined understanding of the molecular landscape of CT.

Which cognitive individual differences predict good Bayesian reasoning? Concurrent comparisons of underlying abilities

We know a lot about how to present Bayesian reasoning tasks in order to aid performance, but less about underlying individual differences that can account for interindividual variability on the same tasks. Such information would be useful for both theoretical and practical reasons. Two theoretical positions, ecological rationality and nested set views, generate multiple hypotheses about which individual difference traits should be most relevant as underlying Bayesian reasoning performance. However, because many of these traits are somewhat overlapping, testing variables in isolation can yield misleading results. The present research assesses Bayesian reasoning abilities in conjunction with multiple individual different measures. Across three experiments, Bayesian reasoning was best predicted by measures of numerical literacy and visuospatial ability, as opposed to several different measures of cognitive thinking dispositions/styles, ability to conceptually model set-theoretic relationships, or cognitive processing ability (working memory span). These results support an ecological rationality view of Bayesian reasoning, rather than nested sets views. There also was some predictive ability for the Cognitive Reflection Task, which was only partially due to the numeracy aspects of that instrument, and further work is needed to clarify if this is a distinct factor. We are now beginning to understand not only how to build Bayesian reasoning tasks, but also how to build good Bayesian reasoners.

Psychometric Investigation of the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices Test in a Sample of Preschool Children

The present study investigated the psychometric properties of the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (CPM) test in a sample of preschoolers from Brazil (n = 582; age: mean = 57 months, SD = 7 months; 46% female). We investigated the plausibility of unidimensionality of the items (confirmatory factor analysis) and differential item functioning (DIF) for sex and age (multiple indicators multiple causes method). We tested four unidimensional models and the one with the best-fit index was a reduced form of the Raven's CPM. The DIF analysis was carried out with the reduced form of the test. A few items presented DIF (two for sex and one for age), confirming that the Raven's CPM items are mostly measurement invariant. There was no effect of sex on the general factor, but increasing age was associated with higher values of the g factor. Future research should indicate if the reduced form is suitable for evaluating the general ability of preschoolers.

The Role of Visuospatial Ability in the Raven’s Progressive Matrices

Abstract. Debate surrounding the role of visuospatial ability in performance on the Raven’s Progressive Matrices (RPM) has existed since their conception. This issue has yet to be adequately resolved, and may have implications regarding sex differences in scores. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between RPM performance, visuospatial ability and fluid ability, and any sex differences in these relationships. Data were obtained from three samples: two University samples completed the Advanced RPM and one population-based sample of men completed the Standard RPM. All samples additionally completed an alternative measure of fluid ability, and one or more measures of visuospatial ability. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the relationships between performance on the visuospatial and fluid ability tests and performance on the RPM. Visuospatial ability was found to significantly contribute to performance on the RPM, over and above fluid ability, supporting the contention that visuospatial ability is involved in RPM performance. No sex differences were found in this relationship, although sex differences in visuospatial ability may explain sex differences in RPM scores.

Diferenças de sexo em uma habilidade cognitiva específica e na produção científica

O presente estudo visou investigar dois aspectos relacionados às diferenças de sexo: o desempenho de universitários no teste Matrizes Progressivas de Raven-Escala Avançada e a análise da autoria por sexos de artigos publicados em revistas de impacto. Para tanto, avaliou-se o desempenho de 547 estudantes de diferentes cursos universitários e contabilizou-se a autoria principal de 12.797 artigos científicos publicados em periódicos nacionais e internacionais no período de 2000 a 2010. Os resultados mostraram diferenças significativas a favor do sexo masculino no teste Raven para a amostra geral e para os cursos de Engenharia, Medicina e Psicologia. Na análise da produtividade científica, constatou-se predominância de autoria principal do sexo masculino para três áreas do conhecimento (Humanas, Biológicas e Exatas). Os resultados sugeriram diferenças na especialização cognitiva entre os sexos, que podem ser expressas tanto nas habilidades de raciocínio visuoespacial quanto na produção científica.

Subcortical regional morphology correlates with fluid and spatial intelligence

Neuroimaging studies have revealed associations between intelligence and brain morphology. However, researchers have focused primarily on the anatomical features of the cerebral cortex, whereas subcortical structures, such as the basal ganglia (BG), have often been neglected despite extensive functional evidence on their relation with higher-order cognition. Here we performed shape analyses to understand how individual differences in BG local morphology account for variability in cognitive performance. Structural MRI was acquired in 104 young adults (45 men, 59 women, mean age = 19.83, SD = 1.64), and the outer surface of striatal structures (caudate, nucleus accumbens, and putamen), globus pallidus, and thalamus was estimated for each subject and hemisphere. Further, nine cognitive tests were used to measure fluid (Gf), crystallized (Gc), and spatial intelligence (Gv). Latent scores for these factors were computed by means of confirmatory factor analysis and regressed vertex-wise against subcortical shape (local displacements of vertex position), controlling for age, sex, and adjusted for brain size. Significant results (FDR < 5%) were found for Gf and Gv, but not Gc, for the right striatal structures and thalamus. The main results show a relative enlargement of the rostral putamen, which is functionally connected to the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and other intelligence-related prefrontal areas.

The Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices: A Comparison of Relationships with Verbal Ability Tests

This study examined relationships between the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices, the Similarities subtest of the South African Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales and an adaptation of the Stanford Diagnostic Reading Test Reading Comprehension subtest. Comparisons between these relationships were drawn on the basis of home language and gender in a sample of 100 university students. Results indicated significant relationships between the Advanced Matrices and both verbal tests, with no significant differences between the correlations on the basis of either gender or home language. This suggests that convergent validity is supported across these groups, and provides impetus for future research about the suitability of the Advanced Matrices for use within cross-cultural, multi-lingual contexts such as South Africa.

Gender differences in variance and means on the Naglieri Non-verbal Ability Test: data from the Philippines

BACKGROUND

Research on gender differences in intelligence has focused mostly on samples from Western countries and empirical evidence on gender differences from Southeast Asia is relatively sparse.

AIMS

This article presents results on gender differences in variance and means on a non-verbal intelligence test using a national sample of public school students from the Philippines.

SAMPLE

More than 2,700 sixth graders from public schools across the country were tested with the Naglieri Non-verbal Ability Test (NNAT).

METHODS

Variance ratios (VRs) and log-transformed VRs were computed. Proportion ratios for each of the ability levels were also calculated and a chi-square goodness-of-fit test was performed. An analysis of variance was performed to determine the overall gender difference in mean scores as well as within each of three age subgroups.

RESULTS

Our data show non-existent or trivial gender difference in mean scores. However, the tails of the distributions show differences between the males and females, with greater variability among males in the upper half of the distribution and greater variability among females in the lower half of the distribution. Descriptions of the results and their implications are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Results on mean score differences support the hypothesis that there are no significant gender differences in cognitive ability. The unusual results regarding differences in variance and the male-female proportion in the tails require more complex investigations.

HOME COMPUTER USE AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN CAPITAL

This paper uses a regression discontinuity design to estimate the effect of home computers on child and adolescent outcomes by exploiting a voucher program in Romania. Our main results indicate that home computers have both positive and negative effects on the development of human capital. Children who won a voucher to purchase a computer had significantly lower school grades but show improved computer skills. There is also some evidence that winning a voucher increased cognitive skills, as measured by Raven's Progressive Matrices. We do not find much evidence for an effect on non-cognitive outcomes. Parental rules regarding homework and computer use attenuate the effects of computer ownership, suggesting that parental monitoring and supervision may be important mediating factors.

Sex differences in means and variability on the progressive matrices in university students: A meta-analysis

A meta-analysis is presented of 22 studies of sex differences in university students of means and variances on the Progressive Matrices. The results disconfirm the frequent assertion that there is no sex difference in the mean but that males have greater variability. To the contrary, the results showed that males obtained a higher mean than females by between .22d and .33d, the equivalent of 3.3 and 5.0 IQ conventional points, respectively. In the 8 studies of the SPM for which standard deviations were available, females showed significantly greater variability (F(882,656) = 1.20, p < .02), whilst in the 10 studies of the APM there was no significant difference in variability (F(3344,5660) = 1.00, p > .05).

Sex Differences in Verbal and Visual-Spatial Tasks under Different Hemispheric Visual-Field Presentation Conditions

This paper reports sex differences in cognitive task performance that emerged when 39 Australian university undergraduates (19 men, 20 women) were asked to solve verbal (lexical) and visual-spatial cognitive matching tasks which varied in difficulty and visual field of presentation. Sex significantly interacted with task type, task difficulty, laterality, and changes in performance across trials. The results revealed that the significant individual-differences' variable of sex does not always emerge as a significant main effect, but instead in terms of significant interactions with other variables manipulated experimentally. Our results show that sex differences must be taken into account when conducting experiments into human cognitive-task performance.

Spatial representations are specific to different domains of knowledge

There is evidence that many abstract concepts are represented cognitively in a spatial format. However, it is unknown whether similar spatial processes are employed in different knowledge domains, or whether individuals exhibit similar spatial profiles within and across domains. This research investigated similarities in spatial representation in two knowledge domains – mathematics and music. Sixty-one adults completed analogous number magnitude and pitch discrimination tasks: the Spatial-Numerical Association of Response Codes and Spatial-Musical Association of Response Codes tasks. Subgroups of individuals with different response patterns were identified through cluster analyses. For both the mathematical and musical tasks, approximately half of the participants showed the expected spatial judgment effect when explicitly cued to focus on the spatial properties of the stimuli. Despite this, performances on the two tasks were largely independent. Consistent with previous research, the study provides evidence for the spatial representation of number and pitch in the majority of individuals. However, there was little evidence to support the claim that the same spatial representation processes underpin mathematical and musical judgments.