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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Acknowledgments
This research was supported by the Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education of China (No. 200806351002), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30800293), and the Science and Technology Innovation Foundation of graduate student in Southwest China University (KY2008005).
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Yufang Zhao and Shen Tu contributed equally to this work.
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Zhao, Y., Tu, S., Lei, M. et al. The neural basis of breaking mental set: an event-related potential study. Exp Brain Res 208, 181–187 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-010-2468-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-010-2468-z