Brains Seek Patterns in Coincidences

Abstract

<p>The neurobiological study of coincidence rests upon the brain’s need for order and predictability. Coincidences alert the brain to possible causal relationships between events. Through the apprehension of such relationships, the world appears as more orderly and more predictable. Even though the scientific method has created a systematic way of determining the validity of possible causal connections between events, the human brain persists in its often non-scientific interpretations of coincidences. The same brain processes that manage coincidence interpretation can yield the strangest superstitions as well as new ideas about the nature of reality. This article addresses the following concepts:</p> <p>1. The brain seeks patterns;</p> <p>2. The brain is predisposed to use coincidences to create or discover patterns;</p> <p>3. The philosophical basis for interpreting coincidences is provided by fundamental association cortex schemas;</p> <p>4. Personally relevant coincidence interpretation is influenced by a person’s biases;</p> <p>5. Hemispheric lateralization influences coincidence detection and interpretation — the right brain associates while the left brain inhibits; and</p> <p>6. Coincidences suggest the possibility that we can look where we cannot see.</p> <H4>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</h4> <p>Bernard D. Beitman, MD, is Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Missouri–Columbia.</p> <p>Address correspondence to: Bernard D. Beitman, MD, Department of Psychiatry, University of Missouri-Columbia, Three Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65201; fax 573-884-5936; or e-mail <A HREF="mailto:beitman@health.missouri.edu">beitman@health.missouri.edu</A>.</p> <p>Dr. Beitman has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.</p> <p>10.9999/00485713-20090421-02</P> <H4>EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES</H4><OL> <LI>Evaluate evidence that the brain seeks order.</LI> <LI>Express how basic attractor patterns and bias influence the meaning of coincidences.</LI> <LI>Identify how hemispheric lateralization influences coincidence detection and interpretation.</LI></OL>