Psychological Development and Education ›› 2025, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (1): 22-31.doi: 10.16187/j.cnki.issn1001-4918.2025.01.03

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The Neural Correlates of Convergent Thinking Measured by Remote Association Test

LI Wenfu1,2, Wang Kangcheng3, CHEN Jingting1, LIU Chuanxin1, QIU Jiang2   

  1. 1. School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067;
    2. School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715;
    3. School of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250358
  • Published:2025-01-22

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Abstract: Convergent thinking is a crucial measurable component of creativity, however, the neural basis of convergent thinking remains unclear. Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) and remote association test (RAT), the present study used both ReHo (Regional Homogeneity) and ALFF (Amplitude of Low Frequency Fluctuation) to explore the neural correlates of convergent thinking. Results showed that the score of RAT was significantly negatively associated with ALFF in the precuneus while positively associated with ALFF in the right Rolandic operculum extending into Insula. Meanwhile, the results also revealed that RAT was significantly negatively correlated with the ReHo in the left Inferior Frontal Gyrus (IFG) extending into pars opercularis and the left IFG extending into precentral gyrus. The present research explored for the first time the association between both ALFF and ReHo and convergent thinking measured by RAT. The results were discussed from the possible functions of these brain regions in spatial imagination, information integration and attention orientation.

Key words: creativity, convergent thinking, remote association test, resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging

CLC Number: 

  • B844
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