The functional differences of alpha band wave’s synchronization in posterior and anterior regions of the brain during divergent and convergent thinking

Thinking as one of the cognitive functions has always been of interest to researchers. With a distinction between divergent and convergent cognitive processes, Guilford has made a huge impact on experimental research on creative thinking. Alpha frequency band in the range of 12-8 Hz is associated with cognitive functions such as creativity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the increase and decrease of alpha power changes (event-related synchronization and de-synchronization) in two different types of divergent and convergent thinking.

The sample of this study consists of 38 postgraduate students of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (19 males, 19 females) who were selected by available and voluntary sampling method. The brain waves were recorded using a 19-channel instrument while performing divergent  and convergent thinking tasks, and alpha power changes were analyzed using MATLAB software.

activity of alpha waves is in the position of divergent thinking from the anterior regions to the posterior regions with synchronization, while in the convergent thinking position we have seen the reduction in the power of the alpha band in the posterior regions compared to the anterior regions of the brain.

The activity of alpha waves is significantly associated with divergent thinking tasks, which increased activity in the posterior regions of the brain with increased activity, in contrast to tasks related to convergent thinking, indicated decreased activity from the anterior regions to the posterior regions.