Cultural differences in neuropsychological tests and intelligence of Cuban preschool children

Abstract

The objective of this research was to determine the cultural differences in the execution of neuropsychological tests between a group of preschoolers with typical development in the province of Cienfuegos and another one in Sancti Spíritus, both in Cuba; as well as to identify the neuropsychological functions that influence intellectual performance. Sixty-seven children were selected and subdivided into groups. The Raven's Progressive Matrices Intelligence Test and the Luria Initial Neuropsychological Battery were used as neuropsychological evaluation instruments. The results showed significant differences in intelligence and various neuropsychological functions between the provinces. The neuropsychological variables influencing intellectual performance varied depending on the cultural groups. Taken together, the results suggest that cultural differences demand diverse patterns of cognitive skills that uniquely influence the development of intelligence and neuropsychological factors in preschool childhood.