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TY - GEN
N1 - Revised version
ID - cogprints7220
UR - http://cogprints.org/7220/
A1 - Fields, Chris
TI - From ?Oh, OK? to ?Ah, yes? to ?Aha!?: Hyper-systemizing and the rewards of insight
Y1 - 2010/10/04/
N2 - 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.
AV - public
KW - Systemizing
KW - Mentalizing
KW - Development
KW - Addiction
KW - Insight
KW - Default network
KW - Analogy
ER -