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Genetic Covariance Among Measures of Information Processing Speed, Working Memory, and IQ

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Abstract

The genetic relationship between lower (information processing speed), intermediate (working memory), and higher levels (complex cognitive processes as indexed by IQ) of mental ability was studied in a classical twin design comprising 166 monozygotic and 190 dizygotic twin pairs. Processing speed was measured by a choice reaction time (RT) task (2-, 4-, and 8-choice), working memory by a visual-spatial delayed response task, and IQ by the Multidimensional Aptitude Battery. Multivariate analysis, adjusted for test-retest reliability, showed the presence of a genetic factor influencing all variables and a genetic factor influencing 4- and 8-choice RTs, working memory, and IQ. There were also genetic factors specific to 8-choice RT, working memory, and IQ. The results confirmed a strong relationship between choice RT and IQ (phenotypic correlations: −0.31 to −0.53 in females, −0.32 to −0.56 in males; genotypic correlations: −0.45 to −0.70) and a weaker but significant association between working memory and IQ (phenotypic: 0.26 in females, 0.13 in males; genotypic: 0.34). A significant part of the genetic variance (43%) in IQ was not related to either choice RT or delayed response performance, and may represent higher order cognitive processes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Australia

    M. Luciano & M. J. Wright

  2. Cognitive Psychophysiology Laboratory, University of Queensland, Australia

    M. Luciano, G. M. Geffen & N. G. Martin

  3. Department of Psychology, University of Queensland, Australia

    G. A. Smith

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  1. M. Luciano
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  2. M. J. Wright
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  3. G. A. Smith
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  4. G. M. Geffen
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  5. L. B. Geffen
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  6. N. G. Martin
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Luciano, M., Wright, M.J., Smith, G.A. et al. Genetic Covariance Among Measures of Information Processing Speed, Working Memory, and IQ. Behav Genet 31, 581–592 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1013397428612

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