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Neural dynamics of constraint relaxation and problem representation changes in single-trial insight problem solving:
Reiji Ohkuma1, Yuto Kurihara2, Toru Takahashi3
1Graduate School of Human Sciences, Waseda University, 2‑579‑15 Mikajima, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan.
Behavioural Brain Research
|September 10, 2025
Summary
Insight problem solving involves overcoming impasses. Brain activity in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and superior temporal gyrus (STG) increased before the "Aha!" moment in successful problem solvers.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Psychology
Background:
- Insight problem solving is characterized by an 'Aha!' moment, often following an impasse.
- Shifting from a constrained, incorrect representation to a relaxed, correct one is key to insight.
- Neural activity preceding insight transitions remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine neural correlates of progress in insight problem solving.
- To investigate brain activity during the transition from impasse to solution via constraint relaxation.
- To identify neural markers preceding the 'Aha!' moment.
Main Methods:
- Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) monitored brain activity during a slot machine task.
- Eye movement data and task performance identified representational states and constraint relaxation.
- Participants were divided into success and failure groups based on reaching the solution.
Main Results:
- Successful solvers showed increased oxygenated hemoglobin in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and superior temporal gyrus (STG) before the 'Aha!' moment.
- The failure group exhibited increased activity in the right angular gyrus.
- fNIRS and eye-tracking integration detected constraint relaxation preceding insight.
Conclusions:
- Right DLPFC activation supports constraint relaxation through executive functions.
- Right STG activation facilitates the shift to a new problem representation.
- Neural activity patterns differentiate successful from unsuccessful insight problem solving.
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