Development of Cognitive Abilities in Multiple Domains

Current study is dedicated to individual differences in cognitive performance and cerebrovascular hemodynamics across development. We recruited 111 participants from different grades from Moscow schools. Cerebral blood flow parameters were measured by means of duplex ultrasonography. Cognitive performance was measured using two well-established tests: the Stroop task, a popular neuropsychological test, measuring cognitive flexibility and inhibition, and the Figural Intersection Task, measuring mental attention. FIT was administered in a group setting whereas the Stroop test was administered individually. We conducted univariate analysis of variance and correlation analysis. We discovered differences between some groups in ultrasound parameters and a strong difference between all the groups in Stroop test results and FIT. These results are consistent with literature. We discovered a strong correlation between many ultrasound parameters within each hemisphere, between many ultrasound parameters and Stroop test results. As for partial correlations (control by the year of birth), some correlations between ultrasound parameters and Stroop test results are saved, however they become smaller. But there are also new correlations between ultrasound parameters and Stroop test results. There is also correlation between Stroop test results and FIT results, but there is absolutely no correlation between ultrasound parameters and FIT. There is interesting observation that most correlations are between Stroop test results and ultrasound parameters, related to left hemisphere.