Views of the inflated cortical surface showing areas of brain grey matter correlating with introspective accuracy.
Credit: Science/AAAS
WASHINGTON: People with a greater capacity for introspection have more grey matter in certain regions of their brains, according to a recent study.
Comparing the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans from the brains of 32 research subjects, scientists established a link between introspective ability and the size and structure of a small area of the anterior prefrontal cortex - the part of the brain associated with ‘higher-thinking’ skills.
The researchers said that this region of the brain, which lies directly behind the eyes, is a strong indicator of a person's introspective ability - the capacity to turn ones thoughts inward and reflect upon one's decisions and decision-making process.
Better treatments for stroke victims
Researchers from the University College London wrote that their study, published in Science may help scientists understand one day how certain brain injuries affect an individual's ability to reflect upon their own thoughts and actions.
Such an understanding may eventually help them tailor appropriate treatments for stroke victims or for patients who suffer from serious brain trauma, but who may not be able to understand their own conditions.
The research also may prove useful in exploring the mental computations behind introspection and then to link these computations to actual biological processes.
Investigating different levels of consciousness
"We want to know why we are aware of some mental processes while others proceed in the absence of consciousness," said lead author Stephen Fleming.
"There may be different levels of consciousness, ranging from simply having an experience, to reflecting upon that experience.
Introspection is on the higher end of this spectrum - by measuring this process and relating it to the brain we hope to gain insight into the biology of conscious thought," he said.
