“Aha!” effects in a guessing Chinese logogriph task: An event-related potential study

Abstract

In the present study, high-density event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded to examine the electrophysiologic correlates of "Aha!" effects in a guessing Chinese logogriph task by using a two-stage model for learning-testing. Results showed that: Firstly Successful Guessing elicited a more negative ERP deflection (N350) than Recognition did in the time window from 300-350 ms after onset of the stimuli. A voltage map of the difference wave (Successful Guessing minus Recognition) showed strong activity at the front-central region. Dipole analysis localized the generator of the N350 in the vicinity of the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and the inferior frontal gyrus. Secondly, a greater late positive component (LPC) in Successful Guessing than Recognition was found between 600 and 700 ms post-stimulus. Dipole analysis localized the generator of LPC in the right parahippocampal gyrus.insight, Chinese logogriph, problem solving, event-related potentials (ERPs)

New advances in the neural correlates of insight: A decade in review of the insightful brain

“…The left middle frontal middle gyrus and inferior frontal gyrus may be associated with set shift and working memory. The results on the neural correlates of insight in the one-to-one condition demonstrated that successful problem solving, as opposed to the successful recognition of solutions, elicited a more negative deflection in the left inferior frontal gyrus from 300 to 350 ms after the onset of the target, which suggests that the ERP component is linked with semantic retrieval [22]. Previous neuroimaging studies on working memory have also revealed that the left inferior frontal gyrus is responsible for semantic retrieval [23].…”

“…The cingulate cortex is significantly activated during insight problem solving. The PCC has been associated with insight problem solving, but most studies report an association of the ACC with insight [11,22]. This study reviews the role of the cingulate cortex, including the ACC and PCC, in insight problem solving.…”

“…Insight is a type of human thinking that naturally recruits the PFC. Many studies consistently reveal the important role of the PFC in insight problem solving using electrophysiological measures [21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28] and neuroimaging techniques [18][19][20]25,29]. However, the activation patterns are different across task types, research paradigms, reference states and the resolution of neuroimaging techniques.…”

“…The left PCC primarily assists the right PCC in risk assessment and problem solving, especially in reaching a final decision. However, Jung-Beeman et al [11] and Qiu et al [22] used the CRA task and prototype heuristic paradigm, respectively, to demonstrate that insight problems dominantly activated the left PCC compared to non-insight problems. These two tasks do not involve a cognitive conflict between old and new ideas.…”

“…EEG studies on insight also support this view. Qiu and Zhang [22] investigated the neural correlates of prototype-induced insight in the one-to-one condition. The successful problem solving, but not the successful recognition of solutions, elicited a more negative deflection in the left PCC from 300 to 350 ms after the onset of the target.…”