The neural correlates of problem states: testing FMRI predictions of a computational model of multitasking.
BACKGROUND
It has been shown that people can only maintain one problem state, or intermediate mental representation, at a time. When more than one problem state is required, for example in multitasking, performance decreases considerably. This effect has been explained in terms of a problem state bottleneck.


METHODS
In the current study we use the complimentary methodologies of computational cognitive modeling and neuroimaging to investigate the neural correlates of this problem state bottleneck. In particular, an existing computational cognitive model was used to generate a priori fMRI predictions for a multitasking experiment in which the problem state bottleneck plays a major role. Hemodynamic responses were predicted for five brain regions, corresponding to five cognitive resources in the model. Most importantly, we predicted the intraparietal sulcus to show a strong effect of the problem state manipulations.


CONCLUSIONS
Some of the predictions were confirmed by a subsequent fMRI experiment, while others were not matched by the data. The experiment supported the hypothesis that the problem state bottleneck is a plausible cause of the interference in the experiment and that it could be located in the intraparietal sulcus.
Borst
Jelmer P
JP
Department of Artificial Intelligence, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. jpborst@ai.rug.nl
Taatgen
Niels A
NA
Stocco
Andrea
A
van Rijn
Hedderik
H
D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000502:physiology*; D001931:Brain Mapping; D003071:Cognition; D019295:Computational Biology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008959:Models, Neurological; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011340:Problem Solving; D011859:Radiography; D055815:Young Adult