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Journal Article

Human intelligence relates to neural measures of cognitive map formation

MPS-Authors

Tenderra,  Rebekka M.
Minerva Fast Track Group Neural Codes of Intelligence, Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics, Max Planck Society;
Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences;

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Theves,  Stephanie       
Minerva Fast Track Group Neural Codes of Intelligence, Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics, Max Planck Society;
Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences;

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Citation

Tenderra, R. M., & Theves, S. (2025). Human intelligence relates to neural measures of cognitive map formation. Cell Reports, 44(8): 116033. doi:10.1016/j.celrep.2025.116033.


Cite as: https://hdl.handle.net/21.11116/0000-0011-881F-2
Abstract
Psychometric research on intelligence identifies latent factors underlying performance correlations across cognitive tasks, with one general factor explaining most variance and predicting life outcomes. Their biological basis is unresolved, particularly regarding the underlying neural information processing mechanisms. We tested whether interindividual differences in relational processing, supported by hippocampal cognitive maps, relate to fluid intelligence (gf), an approximation of the general factor. Using standardized cognitive tests and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of different mnemonic tasks, we demonstrate a positive correlation between gf and map-like encoding of object-location associations learned piecemeal. Their representational geometry in the lower gf range was less consistent with any two-dimensional arrangement, congruent with less relational integration at encoding. Intelligence was not related to non-relational hippocampal item memory, further supporting the specificity of our finding to relational rather than mnemonic components of hippocampal processing. These results provide empirical support for a link between neural mechanisms of relational reasoning and general cognitive performance.