From “Oh, OK” to “Ah, yes” to “Aha!”: Hyper-systemizing and the rewards of insight

Abstract

Hyper-systemizers are individuals displaying an unusually strong bias toward systemizing, i.e. toward explaining events and solving problems by appeal to mechanisms that do not involve intentions or agency. Hyper-systemizing in combination with deficit mentalizing capability typically presents clinically as an autism spectrum disorder; however, the development of hyper-systemizing in combination with normal-range mentalizing capability is not well characterized. Based on a review and synthesis of clinical, observational, experimental, and neurofunctional studies, it is hypothesized that repeated episodes of insightful problem solving by systemizing result in attentional and motivational sensitization toward further systemizing via progressive and chronic deactivation of the default network. This hypothesis is distinguished from alternatives, and its correlational and causal implications are discussed. Predictions of the default-deactivation model accessible to survey-based instruments, standard cognitive measures and neurofunctional methods are outlined, and evidence pertaining to them considered.

The Neural Mechanisms Underlying the Acute Effect of Cigarette Smoking on Chronic Smokers

“…This finding suggested a reallocation of resources away from the DMN toward the regions involved in task performance [21] . Many studies have also associated DMN deactivation with goal-directed cognitive processes, such as focused attention and working memory [51] – [55] and the enabling of systemizing and problem solving by insight [56] . Thus, the lower GBC in the DMN after acute cigarette smoking observed in the present study could contribute to smokers' decreased negative attentional bias and increase of good performance in some cognitive behaviors.…”

Intuitive and Deliberative Empathizers and Systemizers

“…Further, E‐S theory argues that the drive and ability for empathizing and systemizing vary systematically in the population, and that people's scores on these dimensions account for a tremendous range of individual differences in cognition. These include abilities such as sensitivity to facial expressions, abilities in mathematics and physics, mental rotation, map reading, and mechanics (Baron‐Cohen, ); related outcomes such as occupations, hobbies, and relationships (Fields, ; Wheelwright et al, ); as well as sex differences in all these factors (Baron‐Cohen, Knickmeyer, & Belmonte, ).…”

Visual re-identification of individual objects: a core problem for organisms and AI

“…moments-may also motivate further problem-seeking and problem-solving behaviors via positive feedback to the reward system (Fields 2011b). Problems to be solved are instances of at least short-term uncertainty, even if they are also potentially means of reducing longer-term uncertainty; hence, problem-seeking behavior can be viewed as behavior in pursuit of, as opposed to behavior avoiding, short-term uncertainty.…”