Distinct individual differences in default mode network connectivity relate to off-task thought and text memory
Meichao Zhang1, Nicola Savill2, Daniel S Margulies3
1Department of Psychology, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK. mz1180@york.ac.uk.
Scientific Reports
|November 9, 2019
Summary
Mind-wandering during reading is linked to poor comprehension. Neural findings suggest stronger default mode network connectivity aids text processing, while decoupling from visual regions increases mind-wandering.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Mind-wandering during reading is common and negatively impacts comprehension and memory.
- Off-task thought is theorized to result from attention decoupling from external stimuli.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural underpinnings of mind-wandering during reading using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
Main Methods:
- fMRI was used to examine brain activity during reading.
- Resting-state connectivity analysis was performed using seed regions within identified attention networks.
Main Results:
- Reduced activation in the left middle temporal gyrus was observed in individuals with poorer text memory.
- Stronger connectivity within the default mode network (DMN) correlated with better text memory.
- Increased decoupling of the DMN from visual regions was associated with higher mind-wandering frequency.
Conclusions:
- Intrinsic connectivity within the DMN is crucial for effective text processing.
- Reduced DMN coupling to visual areas may explain individual differences in mind-wandering during reading.
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