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Neural correlates of Eureka moment

Author

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  • Sprugnoli, Giulia
  • Rossi, Simone
  • Emmendorfer, Alexandra
  • Rossi, Alessandro
  • Liew, Sook-Lei
  • Tatti, Elisa
  • di Lorenzo, Giorgio
  • Pascual-Leone, Alvaro
  • Santarnecchi, Emiliano

Abstract

Insight processes that peak in “unpredictable moments of exceptional thinking” are often referred to as Aha! or Eureka moments. During insight, connections between previously unrelated concepts are made and new patterns arise at the perceptual level while new solutions to apparently insolvable problems suddenly emerge to consciousness. Given its unpredictable nature, the definition, and behavioral and neurophysiological measurement of insight problem solving represent a major challenge in contemporary cognitive neuroscience. Numerous attempts have been made, yet results show limited consistency across experimental approaches. Here we provide a comprehensive overview of available neuroscience of insight, including: i) a discussion about the theoretical definition of insight and an overview of the most widely accepted theoretical models, including those debating its relationship with creativity and intelligence; ii) an overview of available tasks used to investigate insight; iii) an ad-hoc quantitative meta-analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging studies investigating the Eureka moment, using activation likelihood estimation maps; iv) a review of electroencephalographic evidence in the time and frequency domains, as well as v) an overview of the application of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques to causally assess the neurobiological basis of insight as well as enhance insight-related cognition.

Suggested Citation

  • Sprugnoli, Giulia & Rossi, Simone & Emmendorfer, Alexandra & Rossi, Alessandro & Liew, Sook-Lei & Tatti, Elisa & di Lorenzo, Giorgio & Pascual-Leone, Alvaro & Santarnecchi, Emiliano, 2017. "Neural correlates of Eureka moment," Intelligence, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 99-118.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:intell:v:62:y:2017:i:c:p:99-118
    DOI: 10.1016/j.intell.2017.03.004
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ullrich Wagner & Steffen Gais & Hilde Haider & Rolf Verleger & Jan Born, 2004. "Sleep inspires insight," Nature, Nature, vol. 427(6972), pages 352-355, January.
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    1. Santarnecchi, Emiliano & Emmendorfer, Alexandra & Pascual-Leone, Alvaro, 2017. "Dissecting the parieto-frontal correlates of fluid intelligence: A comprehensive ALE meta-analysis study," Intelligence, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 9-28.

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