Identifying Neural Correlates of Insightful Problem Solving with EEG Evidence

Insight means solving a trivial unknown problem through a sudden spark which gives an experience of enthusiasm or ‘Aha!’ feeling. This study involves identification of neural correlates during performance of cognitive task, during an insightful experiment such as remote associates test and rebus puzzle on E-Prime 3.0. The data is recorded using 32 channels EEG and Brain Vision recorder, and the analysis is done using Brainstorm software. The experiment is performed on 25 healthy right-handed subjects of age group 19–22 years. Temporal analysis of recorded EEG data indicates there is a positive correlation of activation in right parietal occipital region corresponding to ‘Aha’ and non-Aha! feelings; there is a negative correlation of activation of temporal region in the right hemisphere, clearly indicating that T8 and FC6 is activated when the problem is solved through insight. Spectral analysis of EEG indicates that there is a sudden increase in gamma activity/gamma burst in right superior temporal region (0.35 s prior to button press) just after the activation of alpha at right parietal occipital region (0.75 s prior to button press).