Experience sampling during fMRI reveals default network and executive system contributions to mind wandering.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional observational neuroimaging study; non-clinical study graded by design analogy
PubMed 19433790 · doi:10.1073/pnas.0900234106
What was done
Participants performed a concurrent cognitive task during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while intermittent experience sampling probes gathered real-time subjective reports of mind wandering and awareness. Brain activity was analyzed during the time window immediately preceding the probes and evaluated alongside task performance errors.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical values, statistical thresholds, or sample sizes. Qualitatively, mind wandering was associated with activation in default network regions, including the medial prefrontal cortex, which correlated with both subjective self-reports and task performance errors. Mind wandering was also accompanied by recruitment of executive network regions. Simultaneous recruitment of both default and executive networks was greatest during episodes when participants reported being unaware of their own mind wandering.
Why it matters
This study demonstrated that default and executive control networks can activate simultaneously rather than functioning purely in opposition. It highlights a distinct neural profile for mind wandering that is most pronounced in the absence of meta-awareness.
Limits
The abstract does not state the sample size, participant characteristics, specific concurrent task details, scanning parameters, effect sizes, or statistical significance values. In addition, relying on subjective experience sampling probes may disrupt spontaneous cognitive states.
Cited by
- supports When people are instructed in an fMRI to think about nothing, their mind wanders and the default mode network becomes active.