Simulating Human Heuristic Problem Solving: A Study by Combining ACT-R and fMRI Brain Image

Wang, Rifeng; Xiang, Jie; Zhou, Hu; Qin, Yulin; Zhong, Ning

doi:10.1007/978-3-642-04954-5_16

Cited by 7 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…Thus, it is not surprising to find increased PFC activity during both steps of Sudoku task. Step 1 in our study is considered similar to the simple heuristic task and step 2 is similar to the complex heuristic task used by Wang et al The researchers have shown that such complex tasks cost more time than simple tasks as cognitive processes involved in heuristic processing are complex [ 10 ]. A significant activation of left PFC was observed during the complex task when compared with simple task [ 8 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Many studies have been directed toward finding an algorithm to solve Sudoku, but the investigation of the neural substrates involved in Sudoku has been challenging. Simplified versions of Sudoku (4 × 4 matrix) have been used in various functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. Qin et al found the involvement of the left prefrontal cortex (PFC) and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and also the bilateral involvement of posterior parietal cortex, caudate nuclei, fusiform, and frontal eye field areas while solving the simplified version of Sudoku puzzle [ 9 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Role of prefrontal cortex during Sudoku task: fNIRS study

Patil

Deepak

Preet

2020

Translational Neuroscience

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BackgroundSudoku is a popular cognitively stimulating leisure-time activity. Many studies have been directed toward finding an algorithm to solve Sudoku, but the investigation of the neural substrates involved in Sudoku has been challenging.MethodsSudoku task was divided into two steps to understand the differential function of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) while applying heuristic rules. PFC activity was recorded at 16 optode locations using functional near infrared spectroscopy. Classical two-way analysis of variance as well as general linear model-based approach was used to analyze the data from 28 noise-free recordings obtained from right-handed participants.ResultsPost hoc analysis showed a significant increase in oxyhemoglobin concentrations and decrease in deoxyhemoglobin concentrations at all 16 optode locations during step 1 (3 × 3 subgrids) and step 2 (easy level 9 × 9 Sudoku) when compared with the rest (p < 0.0001). Contrasting the step 2 – step 1 revealed that medial regions of PFC were preferentially activated.ConclusionBoth the medial and lateral regions of PFC are activated during Sudoku task. However, the medial regions of PFC play a differential role, especially when we consider searching and selecting the heuristic rules. Thus, Sudoku may be used for cognitive remediation training in neuropsychiatric disorders involving PFC.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Role of prefrontal cortex during Sudoku task: fNIRS study

Patil

Deepak

Preet

2020

Translational Neuroscience

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“…Step 1 in our study is can be considered similar to the simple heuristic task and step 2 is similar to the complex heuristic task used by Wang et al These researchers have shown that such complex tasks cost more time than simple tasks as cognitive processes involved in heuristic processing is complex (Wang et al, 2009). There is significant activation of left PFC during the complex task as compare to simple tasks (Long et al, 2012).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Many studies have been directed towards finding an algorithm to solve Sudoku, but investigation of the neural substrates involved in Sudoku has been challenging. Simplified version of Sudoku (4x4 matrix) has been used in various fMRI studies (Long et al, 2012;Qin et al, 2012;Wang et al, 2009;Xiang et al, 2009;. Qin et al found involvement of left prefrontal cortex, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and bilateral involvement of posterior parietal cortex, caudate nuclei, fusiform and frontal eye field areas during simplified version of Sudoku puzzle .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Role of Prefrontal Cortex during Sudoku task: fNIRS study

Patil

Deepak

Kochhar

2020

Preprint

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Sudoku is a popular leisure time activity that involves no math, but is based on logic based combinatorial number placement in a matrix. Many studies have been dedicated towards finding an algorithm to solve Sudoku but investigation of the neural substrates involved in Sudoku has been challenging. It is difficult to measure the brain activity during 9x9 Sudoku using traditional fMRI technique due to the procedural constraints. 16 optodes fNIRS (functional near infrared spectroscopy) forms an excellent alternative to study the activity of prefrontal cortex (PFC) during Sudoku task. Sudoku task was divided into two steps to understand the differential function of the PFC while applying heuristic rules. Classical two-way ANOVA as well as General Linear Model based approach was used to analyze the data. 28-noise free recording from right-handed participants revealed increased activity in all 16 optode locations during step 1 (3 x 3 subgrids) and step 2 (easy level 9x9 Sudoku) as compared to rest. Contrasting the step2-step1 revealed that medial regions of PFC were preferentially activated. These findings suggest the role of these regions, while applying multiple heuristic rules to solve 9x9 Sudoku puzzle.

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