Discovering optimal brain states for problem solving with EEG

To characterize neuro-cognitive dynamics during problem solving, high-density electroencephalography (EEG) (128 channels) was recorded as healthy adults engaged in math puzzles and rated the degree of insight that they experienced during the solution process. Higher levels of insight were typically associated with longer solution latencies. Time-frequency transforms of artifact-corrected EEG time series data from six pilot subjects revealed distinct left and right hemisphere contributions during the problem-solving phase irrespective of participants\´ subjective insight experience. However, while few topographic differences as a function of insight rating were discerned, insight solutions tended to involve more sustained and stronger desynchronization of scalp-recorded activities in the alpha, beta, and gamma ranges relative to non-insight trials. These findings may help to uncover "cortical signatures" associated with successful problem solving in math and other domains.