Advances in complex thinking and neurotechnologies in education: a bibliometric analysis of research trends

Neuroscience research to decode cognitive and emotional processes has been widely embraced in education. The development of methodologies, case studies, and new technologies have advanced our understanding of students' complex thinking. Despite these advancements, long-term analysis at the convergence of neurosciences, education, and complex thinking remains limited. To address this gap, we conducted a bibliometric review using the prism method, spanning from 1960 to 2023 to map research trends, thematic evolutions, and future challenges. Our analysis of 3792 Scopus-indexed studies using advanced data visualization techniques yielded the following findings: (1) a predominant focus on critical thinking, with creativity driving innovative approaches that enhance problem-solving; (2) growing integration of neurotechnologies-such as EEG and neuroimaging-to assess and optimize cognitive engagement in educational settings; (3) an increasing emphasis on metacognition, highlighting its role as a reflective thinking strategy that fosters cogntive control and higher-order thinking; and (4) emerging research on executive functions, particularly their role in fostering decision-making and cognitive flexibility in learning environments. These findings contribute to the understanding of cognitive processes and inform practical applications in education, including the design of personalized learning strategies, real-time cognitive assessment tools, and neurotechnology-supported pedagogical models. The study advocates an interdisciplinary approach, integrating neuroscientific insights into complex thinking to enhance cognitive processing within STEAM education.