Cross-domain analogical reasoning ability links functional connectome to
creativity
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.