Interactions between default mode and control networks as a function of increasing cognitive reasoning complexity

Hearne, Luke J.; Cocchi, Luca; Zalesky, Andrew; Mattingley, Jason B. · 2015 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.1002/hbm.22802

archive: archived pipeline: cataloged verified

Get this paper ↗ (DOI — opens at the source; we link to it, we don't host it)

Summary

This study investigates the neural dynamics underlying complex cognitive reasoning, specifically challenging the prevailing view that optimal task performance requires strict functional segregation between the default-mode network (DMN) and control networks. While increased task difficulty typically induces deactivation in the DMN and activation in frontoparietal and cingulo-opercular control networks, recent evidence suggests these networks may cooperate during certain cognitive processes. The authors aimed to determine whether increasing relational complexity in reasoning tasks drives transient increases in connectivity between DMN and control regions, rather than merely increasing antagonism. The researchers employed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with 21 participants performing a modified Wason selection task. This paradigm systematically varied relational complexity by presenting logical rules and single "cards" sequentially, requiring participants to judge if a card could disconfirm a rule. Complexity levels ranged from binary relations to quaternary relations, alongside active control and null trials. Data were analyzed using a general linear model to assess regional activity and multiregional psychophysiological interaction (PPI) modeling to evaluate task-based functional connectivity between 24 predefined regions of interest, including 18 task-positive control regions and 6 task-negative DMN regions. Results confirmed that increasing relational complexity led to parametric deactivation in DMN regions and increased activity in control networks. Crucially, PPI analysis revealed that complexity did not solely drive segregation; instead, it induced specific increases in connectivity between DMN and control regions. Significant complexity-evoked increases in connectivity were observed between the angular gyri (DMN) and the striatum, as well as between the right temporal pole (DMN) and the thalamus. Additionally, connectivity increased between the angular gyri and the rostrolateral prefrontal cortex. No significant changes in connectivity were found within the DMN itself as a function of complexity. These findings challenge the notion that functional segregation between DMN and control networks invariably supports cognitive performance. Instead, the study demonstrates that complex reasoning involves selective integration and cooperation between these networks. The results highlight previously unknown roles for the striatum and thalamus in managing network dynamics during cognitive reasoning, suggesting that optimal performance relies on a dynamic reconfiguration of neural networks that includes both competition and cooperation between traditionally segregated systems.

Provenance

The full processing record for this entry. Every stage of this paper's journey through the pipeline is logged — what ran, with which tool and model, how many attempts it took, and when it last completed.

Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-26; verification: verified.

Topics

Ranked by relevance to this paper. Hover a topic for its definition.

• executive function