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01-01-2011 | Research Article

The neural basis of breaking mental set: an event-related potential study

Authors: Yufang Zhao, Shen Tu, Ming Lei, Jiang Qiu, Oscar Ybarra, Qinglin Zhang

Published in: Experimental Brain Research | Issue 2/2011

Abstract

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.

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Title: The neural basis of breaking mental set: an event-related potential study
Authors: Yufang Zhao
Shen Tu
Ming Lei
Jiang Qiu
Oscar Ybarra
Qinglin Zhang
Publication date: 01-01-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Experimental Brain Research / Issue 2/2011
Print ISSN: 0014-4819
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1106
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-010-2468-z

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The neural basis of breaking mental set: an event-related potential study

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