Funny brain activity : an ERP analysis of insight -

Abstract

Achieving a clear and sudden solution following a task is an experience that people sometimes reach after being stuck in a problem-solving situation. This experience is known as insight or the A-ha! moment. Because of its distinctiveness, insight has received significant scientific attention. However, problems within the methods and paradigms used to study insight have kept the underlying mechanisms mysterious. This paper offers a new direction in the study of insight using electroencephalograms (EEGs) and event-related potentials (ERPs). The following study used jokes to elicit passive insight in participants. The study recruited 40 participants to view and rate 20 jokes and 20 nonjokes, while having their electrophysiological activity recorded using an EEG. A multivariate within subject design with one independent variable (IV) of two conditions was implemented. The experimental condition was made up of funny and surprising strips. The control condition was made up of strips that were neither funny nor surprising. The control strips were altered versions of the experimental strips, the humorous aspect being modified into a neutral and coherent aspect. The results of our study suggest that the prefrontal cortex is not linked to insight, but rather to the attention, awareness, and level of difficulty required to complete certain tasks. It also confirmed the role of the anterior cingulate cortex. The N300-500 reflects the cognitive conflict or surprise that results from a break in the mental impasse. The P1500-2000 reflects incongruence resolution, which is thought to be the same as formation of new associations. There is no activation of the superior temporal gyrus in the early stages of insight (200-600ms). However, a left-brain lateralization in the STG appears (600-2500ms). This is speculated to be the result of the type of task being carried. Humor appreciation is seen in the anterior cingulate cortex as P2000-2500. Limitations of this study and recommendations for future research are discussed.