Default and Executive Network Coupling Supports Creative Idea Production.

Roger E Beaty,Paul J Silvia,Scott Barry Kaufman,Mathias Benedek

doi:10.1038/srep10964

Roger E Beaty, Paul J Silvia + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/srep10964

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Abstract

The role of attention in creative cognition remains controversial. Neuroimaging studies have reported activation of brain regions linked to both cognitive control and spontaneous imaginative processes, raising questions about how these regions interact to support creative thought. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we explored this question by examining dynamic interactions between brain regions during a divergent thinking task. Multivariate pattern analysis revealed a distributed network associated with divergent thinking, including several core hubs of the default (posterior cingulate) and executive (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) networks. The resting-state network affiliation of these regions was confirmed using data from an independent sample of participants. Graph theory analysis assessed global efficiency of the divergent thinking network, and network efficiency was found to increase as a function of individual differences in divergent thinking ability. Moreover, temporal connectivity analysis revealed increased coupling between default and salience network regions (bilateral insula) at the beginning of the task, followed by increased coupling between default and executive network regions at later stages. Such dynamic coupling suggests that divergent thinking involves cooperation between brain networks linked to cognitive control and spontaneous thought, which may reflect focused internal attention and the top-down control of spontaneous cognition during creative idea production.

Highlights

Neuroscience has made substantial progress in demystifying how the brain generates novel and useful ideas
The default mode network (DMN) and spontaneous thought appear to be important for creativity, past research points to a role of brain regions associated with cognitive control
The present study explored whole-brain functional connectivity associated with creative idea production

Summary

Introduction

Neuroscience has made substantial progress in demystifying how the brain generates novel and useful ideas. Past research provides seemingly contradictory evidence, reporting activation of brain regions associated with both cognitive control (e.g., dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) and spontaneous imaginative processes (e.g., the precuneus; 1) These regions correspond to the core hubs of large-scale networks that typically act in opposition[1]. Found that generating new ideas during a divergent thinking task (responses participants identified as novel during functional imaging) was related to increased involvement of the left IPL, providing further support for a role of default mode regions in creative cognition. Regions of the ECN have been implicated in several creative thought processes, including divergent thinking[36], artistic drawing[37], and musical improvisation[38] Together, such findings suggest that creativity taps brain networks linked to the top-down control of attention and cognition

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