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Updated: Feb 8, 2026
06:45
Task Interruption and Resumption Paradigm for Testing the Activation and Pursuit of an Abstract Thinking Goal
Published on: April 18, 2017
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The multifaceted abstract brain
Rutvik H Desai1, Megan Reilly2, Wessel van Dam2
1Department of Psychology, Institute for Mind and Brain, University of South Carolina, 220 Discovery Building, 915 Greene St., Columbia, SC 29208, USA desairh@mailbox.sc.edu.
Summary
Neuroimaging meta-analyses reveal the brain
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Abstract concepts are fundamental to human behavior and cognition.
- Understanding their neural underpinnings is crucial for a complete picture of the human conceptual system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural basis of four types of abstract concepts: numerical, emotional, morality judgments, and theory of mind.
- To examine the similarities and differences in the brain representations of these abstract concepts.
Main Methods:
- Utilized neuroimaging meta-analyses to synthesize findings from multiple studies.
- Examined brain activation patterns associated with numerical, emotional, morality, and theory of mind concepts.
Main Results:
- Representation of abstract concepts is more widespread in the brain than previously thought.
- Distinct neural areas are uniquely associated with different types of abstract concepts.
- Commonly activated regions across domains include the inferior parietal, posterior cingulate, and medial prefrontal cortex.
Conclusions:
- Abstract concepts are represented through diverse neural mechanisms, involving event-based, interoceptive, introspective, and sensory-motor representations.
- The findings argue against a single mechanism for all abstract concept representation.
- Identified key brain regions supporting abstract concept processing, linking them to episodic recall and social-emotional functions.
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