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Cross-domain analogical reasoning ability links functional connectome to creativity
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  • Lin Yang,
  • Rongcan Zeng,
  • Xueyang Wang,
  • Jing Chen,
  • Jing Gu,
  • Jiaxin Fan,
  • Jiang Qiu,
  • Guikang Cao
Lin Yang
Southwest University
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Rongcan Zeng
Chongqing University
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Xueyang Wang
Southwest University
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Jing Chen
Southwest University
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Jing Gu
Southwest University
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Jiaxin Fan
Southwest University
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Jiang Qiu
Southwest University
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Guikang Cao
Southwest University

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

Cross-domain analogical reasoning (CAR) is a potent cognitive tool that links seemingly unrelated knowledge do-mains, fostering creative thinking by identifying similarities across different fields. This study aimed to identify functional connectomes encoding individual variations in CAR abilities and to reveal the underlying brain-CAR mechanisms in predicting creativity. Participants included 69 typical university students who underwent resting-state brain MRI scans and behavioral tests. These tests assessed CAR and within-domain analogical reasoning(WAR) abilities using verbal analogy tasks in the A:B::C:D format and measured individual creativity levels using the Al-ternative Uses Test (AUT). We employed a connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM) approach, utilizing the Power264 brain atlas to identify functional connectomes supporting CAR abilities. CPM analysis indicated that both positive and combined network models could stably predict individual CAR scores, with functional connectiv-ity primarily distributed across the default mode, cingulo-opercular task control, salience, and motor networks. Moreover, mediation analysis suggested that CAR mediates the impact of brain functional connectomes on creativi-ty. Our research provides evidence for functional neural markers of CAR and reveals a potential neuropsychological pathway for predicting creativity, whereby brain functional connectomes support creativity through CAR.