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EEG oscillatory evidence for the temporal dynamics of divergent and convergent thinking in the verbal knowledge domain

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  • Eymann, Vera
  • Lachmann, Thomas
  • Beck, Ann-Kathrin
  • Czernochowski, Daniela

Abstract

This study investigates neural mechanisms of divergent and convergent thinking in the verbal knowledge domain while taking into account activation related to working memory (WM). Divergent thinking was assessed using the Alternate Uses Task (AUT) and convergent thinking using the Compound Remote Associates task (RAT). We analyzed upper alpha band (10–12 Hz) oscillatory activity, in which we accounted for the temporal dynamics of both thinking processes by investigating three different time points during each trial for both tasks. We subtracted WM-related oscillatory activity measured by a serial recall task within the same knowledge domain and by using highly similar stimulus material as in both divergent and convergent thinking tasks. Our results show a strong upper alpha synchronization during divergent relative to convergent thinking, most pronounced at fronto-parietal electrodes. Moreover, we observed highest synchronization towards the middle (in contrast to the beginning and end) of each trial during both thinking processes. The results of the present study extend previous findings in the visuo-spatial knowledge domain, using a highly similar analytical approach to investigate divergent and convergent thinking. Together, these findings provide theoretical implications on how divergent and convergent thinking interact beyond WM across different knowledge domains by emphasizing their complex interplay.

Suggested Citation

  • Eymann, Vera & Lachmann, Thomas & Beck, Ann-Kathrin & Czernochowski, Daniela, 2024. "EEG oscillatory evidence for the temporal dynamics of divergent and convergent thinking in the verbal knowledge domain," Intelligence, Elsevier, vol. 104(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:intell:v:104:y:2024:i:c:s0160289624000229
    DOI: 10.1016/j.intell.2024.101828
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eymann, Vera & Beck, Ann-Kathrin & Jaarsveld, Saskia & Lachmann, Thomas & Czernochowski, Daniela, 2022. "Alpha oscillatory evidence for shared underlying mechanisms of creativity and fluid intelligence above and beyond working memory-related activity," Intelligence, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).
    2. Ueli Rutishauser & Ian B. Ross & Adam N. Mamelak & Erin M. Schuman, 2010. "Human memory strength is predicted by theta-frequency phase-locking of single neurons," Nature, Nature, vol. 464(7290), pages 903-907, April.
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