Is auditory prediction related to domain-general cognitive abilities? A neurophysiology study on MMN and cognitive performance scores

Abstract

Recent neurophysiological findings connected domain-specific prediction in sensory cortices with domain-general frontal functions by utilising the mismatch negativity (MMN) auditory-cortex response and working memory measures. Here, we wished to produce supportive evidence by considering both working memory and the broader cognitive construct of fluid intelligence (gF) as well as an ecological stimulation paradigm. Hence, we first recorded MMN with magnetoencephalography (MEG) in 26 healthy adults while they were presented with the multi-feature paradigm and later we obtained behavioural measures of working memory and gF. We confirmed a significant relationship between the frontal MMN and WM, extending to the fusiform and middle occipital gyri. These results support the view that pre-attentive auditory prediction processes are closely connected to individual general cognitive abilities.

Keywords: Music, Intelligence, Working Memory (WM), Sensory memory (SM), Mismatch Negativity (MMN), Magnetoencephalography (MEG), Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)