creators_name: Fields, Chris
creators_id: fieldsres@gmail.com
type: preprint
datestamp: 2011-02-16 19:36:41
lastmod: 2011-03-11 08:57:52
metadata_visibility: show
title: From “Oh, OK” to “Ah, yes” to “Aha!”: Hyper-systemizing and the rewards of insight

subjects: cog-psy
subjects: neuro-psy
full_text_status: public
keywords: Systemizing, Mentalizing, Development, Addiction, Insight, Default network, Analogy
note: Revised version
abstract: Hyper-systemizers are individuals displaying an unusually strong bias toward systemizing, i.e. toward explaining events and solving problems by appeal to mechanisms that do not involve intentions or agency.  Hyper-systemizing in combination with deficit mentalizing ability typically presents clinically as an autistic spectrum disorder; however, the development of hyper-systemizing in combination with normal-range mentalizing ability is not well characterized.  Based on a review and synthesis of clinical, observational, experimental, and neurofunctional studies, it is hypothesized that repeated episodes of insightful problem solving by systemizing result in attentional and motivational sensitization toward further systemizing via progressive and chronic deactivation of the default network.  This hypothesis is distinguished from alternatives, and its correlational and causal implications are discussed.  Predictions of the default-deactivation model accessible to survey-based instruments, standard cognitive measures and neurofunctional methods are outlined, and evidence pertaining to them considered.
date: 2010-10-04
date_type: submitted
refereed: TRUE
citation:   Fields, Chris  (2010) From “Oh, OK” to “Ah, yes” to “Aha!”: Hyper-systemizing and the rewards of insight.  [Preprint]     
document_url: http://cogprints.org/7220/4/insight-pre-101004.pdf
document_url: http://cogprints.org/7220/7/insight-rev2-pre-110117.pdf