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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2022.01.06.475275

Exploring Functional Brain Network Modularity in Educational Contexts

Weinberger, A. B.·Cortes, R. A.·Betzel, R. F.·Green, A. E.
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Abstract

The brains modular functional organization facilitates adaptability. Modularity has been linked with a wide range of cognitive abilities such as intelligence, memory, and learning. However, much of this work has (1) considered modularity while a participant is at rest rather than during tasks conditions and/or (2) relied primarily on lab-based cognitive assessments. Thus, the extent to which modularity can provide information about real-word behavior remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated whether functional modularity during resting-state and task-based fMRI was associated with academic learning (measured by GPA) and ability (measured by PSAT) in a large sample of high school students. Additional questions concerned the extent to which modularity differs between rest and task conditions, and across spatial scales. Results indicated that whole-brain modularity during task conditions was significantly associated with academic learning. In contrast to prior work, no such associations were observed for resting-state modularity. We further showed that differences in modularity between task conditions and resting-state varied across spatial scales. Taken together, the present findings inform how functional brain network modularity - during task conditions and while at rest - relate to a range of cognitive abilities.

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Weinberger, A. B., Cortes, R. A., Betzel, R. F., Green, A. E.. 2022-01-06. Exploring Functional Brain Network Modularity in Educational Contexts. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.01.06.475275

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