Exploring Dynamic Thought Patterns using fMRI and Experience Sampling
S. Sheth, Matthew L. Dixon, Lawrence M Ward, Rebecca M. Todd, Evan Thompson, Kalina Christoff
November 13, 2025 preprint DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/jcv4n_v1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Neurophenomenological study |
|---|---|
| Topics | Default mode network |
| Keywords | Consciousness Task project management Dynamics music Conjunction astronomy Experience sampling method Control management Cognitive psychology Cognitive science Sampling signal processing Artificial neural network Artificial intelligence Neural activity |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key points | Freely-moving thought was associated with greater default network activation and deliberately constrained thought with greater frontoparietal control network activation. |
Abstract
One of the most striking features of human consciousness is its ability to foster an ongoing, seemingly continuous stream of thought. Prior studies have provided valuable insights into the neural correlates of the content of thought (e.g., whether it is task related or not). However, independent of its content, the stream of thought can also be characterized by its dynamics—how it changes over time. The Dynamic Framework of Thought proposes a neural model of how different large-scale brain networks may contribute to thoughts that are freely moving (spontaneous) or deliberately constrained. We empirically tested this model using a neurophenomenological approach, in which participants reported the nature of their thought stream in real time during fMRI scanning. Consistent with the model predictions, freely-moving thought was associated with greater activation of the default network (especially the medial-temporal subcomponent) than the frontoparietal control network, whereas deliberately constrained thought was associated with the opposite pattern of activation. Additionally, these distinct thought dynamics were reflected in the changes in the functional coupling patterns within and between these networks. These findings suggest that experience sampling, in conjunction with fMRI, can illuminate the neural basis of subtle thought dynamics.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on default mode network, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effortless awareness: using real time neurofeedback to investigate correlates of posterior cingulate cortex activity in meditators' self-report Meditators | 2013 | Qualitative study using grounded theory methodology | |
| Too Fast or Too Slow? Time and Neuronal Variability in Bipolar Disorder—A Combined Theoretical and Empirical Investigation | 2017 | Theoretical and empirical approach combining phenomenological, psychological, and neuroscientific accounts | |
| The Creative Brain: Exploring the Connection Between Neuroscience and the Creative Process | 2026 | Qualitative literature review | |
| THE ROLE OF THE SALIENCE NETWORK AND THE DEFAULT MODE NETWORK IN SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNING | 2023 | Qualitative study | |
| Investigating Multiple Streams of Consciousness: Using Descriptive Experience Sampling to Explore Internally and Externally Directed Streams of Thought. Five Descriptive Experience Sampling (DES) participants | 2018 | Qualitative study | n = 5 |