Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026

Using Wavelet Entropy to Demonstrate how Mindfulness Practice Increases Coordination between Irregular Cerebral and Cardiac Activities
Published on: May 10, 2017
Wandering minds and wavering rhythms: linking mind wandering and behavioral variability.
Paul Seli1, James Allan Cheyne1, Daniel Smilek1
1Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo.
Mind wandering, a common cognitive state, is linked to increased behavioral variability in tasks requiring sustained focus. This study suggests response variability can signal moments of mind wandering during cognitive tasks.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Human Cognition
Background:
- Mind wandering is a frequent cognitive phenomenon.
- It is often linked to reduced executive control during tasks.
- The relationship between mind wandering and behavioral consistency needs further exploration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if mind wandering correlates with increased behavioral variability.
- To determine if behavioral variability can serve as an online marker for mind wandering.
Main Methods:
- Developed a novel metronome response task.
- Participants responded synchronously to rhythmic tones.
- Collected probe-caught reports of mind wandering and on-task performance.
Main Results:
- Response variability was significantly higher preceding reports of mind wandering (tuned-out and zoned-out).
- This effect was replicated across two independent samples.
- Behavioral variability increased during mind wandering episodes.
Conclusions:
- Behavioral variability is a potential online indicator of mind wandering.
- Findings suggest a link between executive control, mind wandering, and response consistency.
- This research provides empirical evidence for the behavioral correlates of mind wandering.
More Related Videos
09:37Measurement of Neurophysiological Signals of Ignoring and Attending Processes in Attention Control
Published on: July 5, 2015
06:23A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice
Published on: September 22, 2020
Related Concept Videos
High-Level and Low-Level Awareness
Instinctive Drift
Brain Waves
Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
Causes of Social Behavior II: Cognitive Processes