STUDY OF CRANIAL CAPACITY IN RELATION TO INTELLIGENCE AND OTHER ANTHROPOMETRIC PARAMETERS AMONG STUDENTS

(A CASE STUDY OF AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA)

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Author

Presented To

Department of Medicine

ABSTRACT
The capacity of the cranium has in many studies been used to indirectly reflect the volume of the brain, predict mental ability and reflects racial characteristics. The Aim of the present work is to study cranial capacity in relation to other anthropometric parameters and intelligence amongstudents of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. Five hundred and fifty one (551) students of ABU students both male and female aged 18 to 30 years old were randomly selected for this study.Data was analyzed using Sigma Stat version. Data on sex, age ethnic background, parental level of education and occupation of participants; cranial dimensions and other anthropometric parameterswere taken and recorded in their respective questionnaires. Craniometric parameters: cranial length (CL), cranial breadth (CB), cranial height (CH) were measured using spreading calliper and cranial capacity (CC), brain weight (BW) and cerebral index computed. Other anthropometric parameters measured include: Height(cm), weight(kg),body circumferences(chest, mid upper arm, waist, and hip), and body mass index(kg/m²) was calculated. Intelligent quotient (IQ) test designed by Department of Psychology, Ahmadu Bello University was used to test individual difference in intelligence. The present study showed that, males were taller and heavier than females (p ? 0.01). The circumferences (neck, mid upper arm and chest) of males were higher than females (p ? 0.01). However, waist and hip circumferences were higher in females than males (p = 0.96 and p? 0.01) respectively. Cranial length, breadth and height were higher in males than females (p ≤ 0.01). Cranial capacity and brain weight were higher in the males than females (p ≤ 0.01). However, cerebral index and intelligence quotient test were higher in females than males (p ≤ 0.05). There was no relationship between Craniometric parameters and test of intelligence inmales, while in females some relationship was observed. Relationship was observed between anthropometry and test of intelligence.