Neural dynamics of idea generation and the effects of priming

作者：Iyer Laxmi R; Doboli Simona; Minai Ali A^*; Brown Vincent R; Levine Daniel S; Paulus Paul B

来源：Neural Networks, 2009, 22(5-6): 674-686.

DOI：10.1016/j.neunet.2009.06.019

• Ideation
• Brainstorming
• Semantic cognition
• Creativity
• Priming
• Cognitive dynamics
• Working memory
• Multi-level attractor networks

Idea generation is a fundamental attribute of the human mind, but the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying this process remain unclear. In this paper, we present a dynamic connectionist model for the generation of ideas within a brainstorming context. The key hypothesis underlying the model is that ideas emerge naturally from itinerant attractor dynamics in a multi-level, modular semantic space, and the potential Surface underlying this dynamics is itself shaped dynamically by task context, ongoing evaluative feedback, inhibitory modulation, and short-term synaptic modification. While abstract, the model attempts to capture the interplay between semantic representations, working memory, attentional selection, reinforcement signals, and modulation. We show that, once trained on a set of contexts and ideas, the system can rapidly recall stored ideas in familiar contexts, and can generate novel ideas by efficient. multi-level dynamical search in both familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
We also use a simplified continuous-time instantiation of the model to explore the effect of priming on idea generation. In particular, we consider how priming low-accessible categories in a connectionist semantic network can lead to the generation of novel ideas. The mapping of the model onto various regions and modulatory processes in the brain is also discussed briefly.

• 出版日期2009-8