Genetic Influences on Cognitive Function Using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery
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| Title: | Genetic Influences on Cognitive Function Using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Singer, Jamie J., MacGregor, Alex J., Cherkas, Lynn F., Spector, Tim D. |
| Source: | Intelligence. Sep-Oct 2006 34(5):421-428. |
| Availability: | Elsevier. 6277 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32887-4800. Tel: 877-839-7126; Tel: 407-345-4020; Fax: 407-363-1354; e-mail: usjcs@elsevier.com; Web site: http://www.elsevier.com. |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 8 |
| Publication Date: | 2006 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Evaluative |
| Descriptors: | Memory, Intelligence Tests, Genetics, Neuropsychology, Cognitive Measurement, Females, Whites, Twins, Adults, Reaction Time, Nature Nurture Controversy, Validated Programs, Computer Assisted Testing |
| Geographic Terms: | United Kingdom |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.intell.2005.11.005 |
| ISSN: | 0160-2896 |
| Abstract: | The genetic relationship between intelligence and components of cognition remains controversial. Conflicting results may be a function of the limited number of methods used in experimental evaluation. The current study is the first to use CANTAB (The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery). This is a battery of validated computerised cognitive tests, which allows assessment across a number of domains. A sample of 278 female-female Caucasian twin pairs from the UK (aged 18-76) performed such tests to establish the importance of genetic factors on four composite cognitive measures: general memory ability, inspection time (IT), working memory, and reaction time (RT). Estimates of heritability (additive genetic variance) were found to be 57% (95% CI 44, 68) for general memory, 38% (23, 51) for IT and 31% (16, 45) for working memory. The National Adult Reading Test (NART), a measure of IQ, had a heritability of 76%. RT was explained by common environmental influences and nonshared environmental influences. Moderate phenotypic correlations between general memory and NART (r = 0.32) and general memory and working memory (r = 0.42) were also reported. Both relationships could be explained by shared genetic determinants. |
| Abstractor: | Author |
| Entry Date: | 2006 |
| Accession Number: | EJ742898 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | The genetic relationship between intelligence and components of cognition remains controversial. Conflicting results may be a function of the limited number of methods used in experimental evaluation. The current study is the first to use CANTAB (The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery). This is a battery of validated computerised cognitive tests, which allows assessment across a number of domains. A sample of 278 female-female Caucasian twin pairs from the UK (aged 18-76) performed such tests to establish the importance of genetic factors on four composite cognitive measures: general memory ability, inspection time (IT), working memory, and reaction time (RT). Estimates of heritability (additive genetic variance) were found to be 57% (95% CI 44, 68) for general memory, 38% (23, 51) for IT and 31% (16, 45) for working memory. The National Adult Reading Test (NART), a measure of IQ, had a heritability of 76%. RT was explained by common environmental influences and nonshared environmental influences. Moderate phenotypic correlations between general memory and NART (r = 0.32) and general memory and working memory (r = 0.42) were also reported. Both relationships could be explained by shared genetic determinants. |
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| ISSN: | 0160-2896 |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.intell.2005.11.005 |
