Neural Correlates of Belief-Bias Reasoning as Predictors of Critical Thinking: Evidence from an fNIRS Study.

ABSTRACT: This study examined the neural characteristics of belief-bias reasoning in order to reveal the neurocognitive basis of critical thinking. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy was utilized to capture the real-time brain hemodynamic activity of 74 college students while they performed a belief-bias syllogistic reasoning task. Values of oxy-hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) and deoxy-hemoglobin (deoxy-Hb) in regions of interest were analyzed in relation to critical thinking skills assessed by established tests. The results reveal significant activation in both the opercular part of the right IFC and the left DLPFC when participants encountered situations where their prior beliefs contradicted logical validity during the completion of the belief-bias syllogistic reasoning task. Crucially, individuals with

SUBMITTER: Ma J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12471263 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature