From “Oh, OK” to “Ah, yes” to “Aha!”: Hyper-systemizing and the rewards of insight

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. A review of anecdotal reports, survey-based measurements, and experimental studies of systemizing suggests the hypothesis that hyper-systemizing in the presence of normal-range mentalizing develops as an addiction syndrome driven by the positive affect associated with insight solutions. A neurocognitive model of hypersystemizing as an outcome of insight addiction is constructed based on the incentive-sensitization model of addiction. If this model is correct, assaying subjects for bias on the systemizing – mentalizing spectrum would be expected to reveal significant activity differentials in temporal-parietal-frontal networks on cognitive tasks with systemizing or mentalizing components within the neurotypical population. Predictions of the model accessible to survey-based instruments and standard cognitive measures are outlined, and evidence pertaining to them considered.

Available Versions of this Item

• From “Oh, OK” to “Ah, yes” to “Aha!”: Hyper-systemizing and the rewards of insight. (deposited 06 Aug 2010 11:22) [Currently Displayed]
  • From “Oh, OK” to “Ah, yes” to “Aha!”: Hyper-systemizing and the rewards of insight. (deposited 18 Oct 2010 11:04)
    • From “Oh, OK” to “Ah, yes” to “Aha!”: Hyper-systemizing and the rewards of insight. (deposited 16 Feb 2011 19:36)