The electroencephalogram (EEG) as a research tool in human behavior genetics: Psychological examinations in healthy males with various inherited EEG variants

Summary

The results of psychological examinations on 298 adult male probands with various inherited EEG variants are described. They may be summarized as follows:

• 1) The low-voltage (N) group scored high in intelligence tests, especially in spatial orientation. Personality scores revealed this group as ‘normal’, extravert, group-dependent, and not very energetic.

• 2) The borderline low-voltage (NG) group showed slight weakness in abstract thinking, short-time memory, and motor skills and a relatively strong tendency to have ‘neurotic’ complaints. Reaction time and motor skills were poor.

• 3) The occipital fast α-variants (BO) group performed very well in tests of abstract thinking and motor skills.

• 4) The monotonous α (R) group showed average performance in most intelligence scores but above-average in short-time memory and in precision under stress conditions. Personality scores indicated high spontaneous activity and toughmindedness.

• 5) The BG (fronto-precentral β-group) category showed very low MMPI scores, indicating little neurotic tendency. Intelligence could be above average.

• 6) The diffuse β (BD) group scored low in intelligence tests, especially in spatial orientation, and had a high error rate in tests measuring concentration and precision.