When the Brain Takes a Break: A Model-Based Analysis of Mind Wandering
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 08:16authored byMittner, M, Boekel, W, Tucker, AM, Turner, BM, Heathcote, A, Forstmann, BU
Mind wandering is an ubiquitous phenomenon in everyday life. In the cognitive neurosciences, mind wandering has been associated with several distinct neural processes, most notably increased activity in the default mode network (DMN), suppressed activity within the anti-correlated (task-positive) network (ACN), and changes in neuromodulation. By using an integrative multimodal approach combining machine-learning techniques with modeling of latent cognitive processes, we show that mind wandering in humans is characterized by inefficiencies in executive control (task-monitoring) processes. This failure is predicted by a single-trial signature of (co)activations in the DMN, ACN, and neuromodulation, and accompanied by a decreased rate of evidence accumulation and response thresholds in the cognitive model.
History
Publication title
Journal of Neuroscience
Volume
34
Issue
49
Pagination
16286 -16295
ISSN
0270-6474
Department/School
Tasmanian School of Medicine
Publisher
Soc Neuroscience
Place of publication
11 Dupont Circle, Nw, Ste 500, Washington, USA, Dc, 20036