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Mind-Wandering Enhances Learning under Uncertainty: Insights from Iowa Gambling Task
Saba Siddiqi1, Sathya Narayana Sharma1
1Brain and Behaviour Laboratory, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad, Jharkhand 826004, India.
Abstract:
Mind-wandering refers to the shift of attention towards task-unrelated thoughts. The current study aims to explore the impact of mind-wandering on learning and decision-making under uncertain circumstances. This study investigated the interplay of trait (spontaneous and deliberate) and state mind-wandering on learning and decision making using the Iowa Gambling Task. Intermittent thought probes were used to measure state mind wandering, and a standardised 8-item mind-wandering questionnaire was used to measure trait mind wandering. Results revealed that participants demonstrated enhanced learning across task trials when engaged in task-unrelated thoughts (mind-wandering). Furthermore, an interaction effect emerged between trait spontaneous mind-wandering and state mind-wandering, significantly predicting learning under uncertainty. Specifically, the beneficial impact of state mind-wandering on learning was most pronounced in individuals with moderate to high levels of spontaneous mind-wandering traits. However, there was no significant effect of mind-wandering on the percentage of risky choices. These findings suggest that spontaneous mind-wandering facilitates cognitive adaptability under uncertain environments, highlighting its adaptive role in learning processes.
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