Deconstructing insight: EEG correlates of insightful problem solving.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cognitive insight phenomenon lies at the core of numerous discoveries. Behavioral research indicates four salient features of insightful problem solving: (i) mental impasse, followed by (ii) restructuring of the problem representation, which leads to (iii) a deeper understanding of the problem, and finally culminates in (iv) an "Aha!" feeling of suddenness and obviousness of the solution. However, until now no efforts have been made to investigate the neural mechanisms of these constituent features of insight in a unified framework.

Methodology/principal findings

In an electroencephalographic study using verbal remote associate problems, we identified neural correlates of these four features of insightful problem solving. Hints were provided for unsolved problems

SUBMITTER: Sandkuhler S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2180197 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature