Open AccessSubcortical intelligence: Caudate volume predicts IQ in healthy adults
Author(s) -
Grazioplene Rachael G.,
G. Ryman Sephira,
Gray Jeremy R.,
Rustichini Aldo,
Jung Rex E.,
DeYoung Colin G.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
human brain mapping
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.005
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1097-0193
pISSN - 1065-9471
DOI - 10.1002/hbm.22710
Subject(s) - caudate nucleus , psychology , brain size , neuroimaging , neuroscience , association (psychology) , intelligence quotient , medicine , magnetic resonance imaging , cognition , radiology , psychotherapist
This study examined the association between size of the caudate nuclei and intelligence. Based on the central role of the caudate in learning, as well as neuroimaging studies linking greater caudate volume to better attentional function, verbal ability, and dopamine receptor availability, we hypothesized the existence of a positive association between intelligence and caudate volume in three large independent samples of healthy adults (total N = 517). Regression of IQ onto bilateral caudate volume controlling for age, sex, and total brain volume indicated a significant positive correlation between caudate volume and intelligence, with a comparable magnitude of effect across each of the three samples. No other subcortical structures were independently associated with IQ, suggesting a specific biological link between caudate morphology and intelligence. Hum Brain Mapp 36:1407–1416, 2015 . © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.