The cortical thickness of the area PF of the left inferior parietal cortex mediates technical-reasoning skills

Abstract

Most recent research highlights how a specific form of causal understanding, namely technical reasoning, may support the increasing complexity of tools and techniques developed by humans over generations, i.e., the cumulative technological culture (CTC). Thus, investigating the neurocognitive foundations of technical reasoning is essential to comprehend the emergence of CTC in our lineage. Whereas functional neuroimaging evidence started to highlight the critical role of the area PF of the left inferior parietal cortex (IPC) in technical reasoning, no studies explored the links between the structural characteristics of such a brain region and technical reasoning skills. Therefore, in this study, we assessed participants’ technical-reasoning performance by using two ad-hoc psycho-technical tests; then, we extracted from participants’ 3 T T1-weighted magnetic-resonance brain images the cortical thickness (i.e., a volume-related measure which is associated with cognitive performance as reflecting the size, density, and arrangement of cells in a brain region) of all the IPC regions for both hemispheres. We found that the cortical thickness of the left area PF predicts participants’ technical-reasoning performance. Crucially, we reported no correlations between technical reasoning and the other IPC regions, possibly suggesting the specificity of the left area PF in generating technical knowledge. We discuss these findings from an evolutionary perspective, by speculating about how the evolution of parietal lobes may have supported the emergence of technical reasoning in our lineage.

The Area Prostriata may play a role in technical reasoning

“…Recently, we have identified the cortical thickness (CT), i.e., a brain-volume-related measure linked to cognitive performance, of the Area PF of the left inferior parietal lobe (Area PF; Fig. 1 B) as a critical structural correlate of TR [ 5 ]. Here, we extend our findings by performing a whole-brain analysis of our previous data.…”

“…B In light blue, the area PF of the left Inferior Parietal Lobe (IPL), as included in Glasser et al (2016)’s atlas [ 16 ]. C Pearson’s correlation between the technical reasoning performance index (TRPI) [ 5 ] and the normalised cortical thickness (CT) of the Area Prostriata (R = 0.36). D Pearson’s correlation between TRPI and the CT of the area PF (R = 0.34).…”

“…AP outputs are multisensory and high-order association cortical areas (e.g., V1, the contralateral AP, and the temporal, parietal, anterior cingulate, orbitofrontal, and frontopolar cortices) and subcortical regions linked to the visuomotor function and visuospatial abilities (e.g., the subiculum, pulvinar, ventral lateral geniculate nucleus, lateral dorsal thalamic nucleus, zona incerta, and the pontine and pretectal nuclei) [ 4 , 7 , 8 ]. Visuospatial abilities and the visuomotor function are at the root of TR [ 5 , 9 ]. Indeed, most recent research emphasises how TR can be seen as a cognitive process emerging by adaptation from visuospatial skills [ 5 ].…”

“…Visuospatial abilities and the visuomotor function are at the root of TR [ 5 , 9 ]. Indeed, most recent research emphasises how TR can be seen as a cognitive process emerging by adaptation from visuospatial skills [ 5 ]. TR has been defined as a specific form of non-declarative knowledge about physical principles that enables individuals to develop and use complex tools, techniques and technologies [ 2 , 5 , 9 ].…”

“…Indeed, most recent research emphasises how TR can be seen as a cognitive process emerging by adaptation from visuospatial skills [ 5 ]. TR has been defined as a specific form of non-declarative knowledge about physical principles that enables individuals to develop and use complex tools, techniques and technologies [ 2 , 5 , 9 ]. Such knowledge can be abstract because physical and technical realities do not always overlap.…”