Default Mode Network
Contents
Full Definition
The Default Mode Network is active during mind-wandering, imagination, and recalling memories. It is prominently involved during the early stage of creative idea generation. It is composed on multiple sub-networks.
Context
Generative and evaluative brain networks refer to the distinct neural systems involved in creative thought . The generative mode focuses on producing novel ideas, while the evaluative mode assesses their quality and potential. Creative thinking involves a dynamic process of shifting between and integrating these two networks.
Generative brain networks
The generative network is associated with the brain's "idea generation" phase, which is linked to a more free-flowing, spontaneous, and less constrained type of thinking.
Medial Temporal Lobe (MTL): Studies using fMRI show that the MTL is preferentially recruited during creative generation. This region is critical for memory formation and processing, suggesting that creative ideas may arise from new combinations of stored information. Role in cognition:
Spontaneous cognition
The generative network helps produce new concepts and associations without constant, deliberate effort. Novelty: It is associated with higher network reconfiguration, meaning it can easily and rapidly change its connections to produce more creative and original ideas.
Evaluative brain networks
The evaluative network is involved in the later stage of the creative process, where ideas are scrutinized, judged, and refined. This mode of thought relies on deliberate and analytical processes.
Key brain regions involved
Executive Control Network (ECN): The ECN, which includes the rostrolateral prefrontal cortex, is crucial for monitoring, planning, and guiding cognitive processes. It plays a major role in consciously assessing the viability and quality of generated ideas. Salience Network (SN): The SN helps identify and filter relevant information. It works with the ECN to monitor and guide the more spontaneous, generative processes driven by the DMN. Valuation System: This system includes the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) and ventral striatum (VS). It is involved in assessing the subjective value of ideas and stimuli, helping to determine which ones are worth pursuing.
Role in cognition
Critical thinking: The evaluative network enables the deliberate analysis and judgment of ideas. Cognitive control: It helps to focus attention and suppress irrelevant or low-quality ideas. Dynamic interplay between generative and evaluative networks For effective creative thinking, the brain must be able to switch dynamically between these two modes. Switching mechanism: Effective creative thinkers show dynamic activity patterns that allow for smooth transitions between the DMN, ECN, and SN. Balanced co-activation: During certain creative tasks, both generative (DMN) and evaluative (ECN) regions may be co-activated and functionally connected. This suggests that idea generation and evaluation can happen in parallel, rather than strictly in a back-and-forth sequence. Dynamic configuration: The specific interplay between these networks is thought to support the flexible cognitive processes required for different types of creative tasks. Evaluative and generative modes of thought during the creative process
Jan 16, 2012 — The present study employed a novel fMRI paradigm designed to distinguish between these two components at the neural level. Participants designed boo... faviconV2 ScienceDirect.com
Problems
https://www.facebook.com/groups/buddhistpsychology/posts/10160573083314118/
