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Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Combining Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and fMRI to Examine the Default Mode Network
Published on: December 28, 2010
Wandering minds: the default network and stimulus-independent thought
Malia F Mason1, Michael I Norton, John D Van Horn
1Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA. malia@nmr.mgh.harvard.edu
Mind-wandering, a common human experience, is linked to brain activity in the default network. This network is active during rest and shows increased function with a greater tendency to mind-wander.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Mind-wandering is a frequent cognitive state, yet its neural underpinnings remain largely unexplored.
- Understanding the brain mechanisms of mind-wandering is crucial for cognitive science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural correlates of mind-wandering.
- To determine if mind-wandering is associated with specific brain networks.
Main Methods:
- Employed thought sampling to capture instances of mind-wandering.
- Utilized brain imaging techniques to monitor neural activity during mind-wandering.
Main Results:
- Mind-wandering correlated with increased activity in the default network of cortical regions.
- Higher self-reported tendencies for mind-wandering were associated with greater default network activity.
Conclusions:
- The default network plays a significant role in supporting the cognitive process of mind-wandering.
- Neural activity during rest states is linked to the propensity for spontaneous thought.
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