The role of the brain's executive and default networks in human thought and spontaneous cognition

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Human thought, reasoning and problem solving epitomize some of the highest cognitive abilities that haveemerged in the course of primate evolution. Thinking occurs ubiquitously throughout human adult life, both inthe form of deliberate, effortful thought processes directed towards the solution of a particular problem, and in the form of spontaneous, undirected thought flow that proceeds of its own accord and often bears no apparent relation to ongoing activities or the external environment. This research explores the role of two principal brain networks in human thought: the executive and default networks. The executive network is typically associated with goal-directed, deliberate cognition while the default network is recruited during conditions of low cognitive demands. Both networks, however, appear to contribute to spontaneous thought processes such as mind wandering and creative cognition. In a series of functional Magnetic Resonance imaging (fMRI) studies, this research program explores how specific executive and default brain regions contribute to different dimensions of thought (e.g., spontaneous vs deliberate; stimulus-independent vs stimulus-oriented; emotional vs non-emotional; evaluation vs. generation of creative ideas). This research program takes a highly innovative, unique approach to the study of human thought, by exploring both deliberate and spontaneous forms of thinking and by utilizing a novel method for functional neuroimaging based on real-time fMRI readings of brain activity. It also has the potential to contribute to a greater understanding of brain disorders and the development of treatment applications.