The neural basis of breaking mental set: an event-related potential study.
Event-related brain potentials (ERPs) were recorded to explore the electrophysiological correlates of breaking mental set when subjects performed the Chinese character-generation task. A new experimental paradigm (learning-testing model) was adopted in order to make subjects find a solution actively by using a fixed way (Rep: repetition) or a new method (BMS: breaking mental set). Results showed that BMS elicited a more positive ERP deflection (P500-700) than did Rep between 500 and 700 ms after onset of the test stimuli. The P500-700 was possibly involved in the successful breaking of mental set and the initial forming of new associations during problem solving. Furthermore, BMS also elicited a more positive ERP deflection (P900-1300) than did Rep between 900 and 1,300 ms. The P900-1300 might reflect searching and generating a new character after breaking mental set.
Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University (SWU), Ministry of Education, 400715 Chongqing, China.
Yufang
Y
Zhao
Shen
S
Tu
Ming
M
Lei
Jiang
J
Qiu
Oscar
O
Ybarra
Qinglin
Q
Zhang
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D001931:Brain Mapping; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D011340:Problem Solving / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014706:Verbal Learning / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult