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High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Over the Left Frontopolar Cortex Promotes Analogical Reasoning

Woman sketching a colorful business plan on a placard at a creative office.

International Mind, Brain, and Education Society

Michael Lundie, Harshith Dasara, Christopher Beeghly, Ali Kazmi and Daniel Krawczyk

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Overview

This study explores the neural correlates of creativity and analogical reasoning through stimulation of the anterior prefrontal cortex, a major contributor to creative insight.The Krawczyk Reasoning Lab investigated the role of the left anterior prefrontal cortex in facilitating creative problem-solving using analogical solutions. Via transcranial direct current stimulation, a brain stimulation technique applied locally over the frontal lobes, researchers influenced brain activity in this area prior to engaging participants in measured problem-solving tasks.Results from this study support the left anterior prefrontal cortex as playing an important role in facilitating creative reasoning using analogies. This holds promise for potential interventions to rehabilitate functions within certain clinical populations (e.g., traumatic brain injury survivors) who experience cognitive impairments.

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    Daniel Krawczyk, PhD

    Deputy Director of Research Debbie and Jim Francis Chair and Professor, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences

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