Psychomotor movement and IQ

This study tested the Eysenck/Jensen ‘speed of neural processing’ theory of general ability by examining the relationship between general mental ability and speed of performing a simple, repetitive movement. Seventy psychology students were tested for intelligence using Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III. Motor speed was assessed by means of a tapping task in which two fingers tapped alternately. The expected positive correlations between speed scores and cognitive measures were obtained, with significant associations demonstrated between tapping speed and traditional Full-scale IQ, Verbal IQ and Raven’s Matrices scores. There was little evidence however of any association between motor speed and Performance IQ. These findings are consistent with other research, although the lack of correlation with WAIS-III Performance scores is surprising.