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Updated: Apr 20, 2026
09:37
Measurement of Neurophysiological Signals of Ignoring and Attending Processes in Attention Control
Published on: July 5, 2015
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When the brain takes a break: a model-based analysis of mind wandering
Matthias Mittner1, Wouter Boekel2, Adrienne M Tucker2
1Department of Psychology, University of Tromsø, 9037 Tromsø, Norway, matthias.mittner@uit.no.
Summary
Mind wandering, a common experience, is linked to brain network inefficiencies. This study reveals executive control failures during mind wandering, impacting cognitive processes.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neuroimaging
- Computational Psychiatry
Background:
- Mind wandering is a frequent cognitive phenomenon.
- Neural correlates include default mode network (DMN) and anti-correlated network (ACN) activity.
- Neuromodulatory changes are also implicated in mind wandering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural and cognitive underpinnings of mind wandering.
- To identify predictive signatures of mind wandering using multimodal data.
- To characterize the relationship between mind wandering and executive control.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an integrative multimodal approach.
- Combined machine-learning techniques with cognitive process modeling.
- Analyzed neural activity (DMN, ACN) and neuromodulation on a single-trial basis.
Main Results:
- Mind wandering is characterized by executive control (task-monitoring) inefficiencies.
- A specific neural signature involving DMN, ACN, and neuromodulation predicts mind wandering.
- Associated with reduced evidence accumulation and lower response thresholds in cognitive models.
Conclusions:
- Mind wandering reflects a failure in executive control mechanisms.
- Neural and cognitive models can predict mind wandering events.
- Findings provide insights into the cognitive neuroscience of attention and self-generated thought.
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