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The brain processes sensory information rapidly due to parallel processing, which involves sending data across multiple neural pathways at the same time. This method allows the brain to manage various sensory qualities, such as shapes, colors, movements, and locations, all concurrently. For instance, when observing a forest landscape, the brain simultaneously processes the movement of leaves, the shapes of trees, the depth between them, and the various shades of green. This enables a quick and...
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Controlled processes in human consciousness represent high-alert mental states where individuals deliberately focus their attention on achieving specific goals. Controlled processes can be seen in situations like mastering new technology, where a person might become so absorbed that they ignore surrounding distractions. Such processes involve selective attention, requiring one to concentrate on particular elements of experience while disregarding others. These are governed by executive...
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Updated: Jan 11, 2026

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Brain signal complexity tracks mind-wandering and visual perceptual learning.

Louisa Krile1,2, Ford Burles1,2, Kuljeet Chohan1

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.

Scientific Reports
|November 13, 2025
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Summary

Mind-wandering, often seen as task-unrelated thoughts, is linked to a flexible brain state that supports longer-term learning. This study found higher brain signal complexity during mind-wandering correlates with improved learning outcomes.

Keywords:
Brain signal complexityElectroencephalography (EEG)Mind-wanderingMultiscale entropy (MSE)Texture discrimination task (TDT)Visual perceptual learning

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Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Neuroscience of Learning
  • Brain Signal Complexity

Background:

  • Mind-wandering occupies significant waking hours and affects neural/behavioral function.
  • Previous research linked mind-wandering to higher neural signal complexity, suggesting increased flexibility.
  • The relationship between mind-wandering, neural flexibility, and long-term learning remains under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if the neural flexibility associated with mind-wandering supports longer-term learning.
  • To examine the link between brain signal complexity during mind-wandering and learning-related gains.

Main Methods:

  • Electroencephalography (EEG) recorded brain activity in 26 adults during a visual texture discrimination task.
  • Participants performed the task before and after a training period, with attention states probed.
  • Analysis focused on brain signal complexity, task performance, and event-related potential (ERP) amplitudes.

Main Results:

  • Task performance and N1/P3 ERP amplitudes significantly improved post-training.
  • Higher brain signal complexity correlated with greater mind-wandering (pre- and post-training).
  • Increased signal complexity was also associated with better post-training performance and larger ERP amplitudes.

Conclusions:

  • Greater mind-wandering engagement is associated with a high-flexibility brain state.
  • This flexible neural state appears conducive to longer-term learning, particularly in perceptual tasks.
  • Brain signal complexity serves as a potential marker for learning-related neural flexibility.