Cited by 1,256Functional Brain Connectivity StudiesMind wandering and attentionCognitive Functions and Memory

Default network activity, coupled with the frontoparietal control network, supports goal-directed cognition

Open access
Spreng, R. Nathan, Stevens, W. Dale, Chamberlain, Jon P., Gilmore, Adrian W., Schacter, Daniel L.·2010·NeuroImage

Abstract

Tasks that demand externalized attention reliably suppress default network activity while activating the dorsal attention network. These networks have an intrinsic competitive relationship; activation of one suppresses activity of the other. Consequently, many assume that default network activity is suppressed during goal-directed cognition. We challenge this assumption in an fMRI study of planning. Recent studies link default network activity with internally focused cognition, such as imagining personal future events, suggesting a role in autobiographical planning. However, it is unclear how goal-directed cognition with an internal focus is mediated by these opposing networks. A third anatomically interposed 'frontoparietal control network' might mediate planning across domains, flexibly coupling with either the default or dorsal attention network in support of internally versus externally focused goal-directed cognition, respectively. We tested this hypothesis by analyzing brain activity during autobiographical versus visuospatial planning. Autobiographical planning engaged the default network, whereas visuospatial planning engaged the dorsal attention network, consistent with the anti-correlated domains of internalized and externalized cognition. Critically, both planning tasks engaged the frontoparietal control network. Task-related activation of these three networks was anatomically consistent with independently defined resting-state functional connectivity MRI maps. Task-related functional connectivity analyses demonstrate that the default network can be involved in goal-directed cognition when its activity is coupled with the frontoparietal control network. Additionally, the frontoparietal control network may flexibly couple with the default and dorsal attention networks according to task domain, serving as a cortical mediator linking the two networks in support of goal-directed cognitive processes.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2010.06.016

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  • The default and control networks cooperate during autobiographical future planning, which involves constructing a detailed and sequential mental representation of a future goal state.

    “For example, the default and control networks show cooperation during autobiographical future planning—constructing a detailed and sequential mental representation about a future goal state [10, 19, 24].”

    From Creative Cognition and Brain Network Dynamics (2016) · cites this paper as [10]

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Creative thought involves similar cognitive and neural mechanisms as other forms of goal-directed, self-generated cognition, such as autobiographical future planning.

    “We propose that creative thought involves similar cognitive and neural mechanisms as other forms of goal-directed, self-generated cognition (e.g., autobiographical future planning; [10, 19, 24]).”

    From Creative Cognition and Brain Network Dynamics (2016) · cites this paper as [10]

  • The control network may modify and direct self-generated thoughts to meet the demands of task-specific goals.

    “In this context, the control network may modify and direct self-generated thoughts to meet the demands of task-specific goals [10–11, 20].”

    From Creative Cognition and Brain Network Dynamics (2016) · cites this paper as [10]

  • The frontoparietal control network and salience network may mediate internally and externally directed cognition by maintaining a dynamic balance between the default and attention networks.

    “The FPCN (as well as the salience network; Box 3) may in turn, mediate internally and externally directed cognition by maintaining a dynamic balance between the default and attention networks.15,155,160,162,163”
  • The frontoparietal control network regulates self-generated mnemonic, social, and emotional information by changing its functional connectivity with the dorsal attention network or the default network.

    “However, the FPCN has also been shown to play an important role in regulating self-generated mnemonic, social, and emotional information, and does so by varying its functional connectivity with the DAN or the DN, respectively.”

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  1. McIntosh AR Chau WK Protzner AB Spatiotemporal analysis of event-related fMRI data using partial least squares Neuroimage 2004b 23 764 775 15488426

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Authors
Spreng, R. N., Stevens, W. D., Chamberlain, J. P., Gilmore, A. W., & Schacter, D. L.
Affiliations
Harvard University (US)
Corresponding author
Spreng, R. Nathan
Venue
NeuroImage
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2010-10
Volume
53
Issue
1
Pages
303-317
ISSN
1053-8119 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W1998268694
Cited by
1,256
References
71
Citations by year
2026: 75 · 2025: 99 · 2024: 75 · 2023: 74 · 2022: 79 · 2021: 87 · 2020: 93 · 2019: 87 · 2018: 98 · 2017: 82 · 2016: 85 · 2015: 86 · 2014: 87 · 2013: 57 · 2012: 47
FWCI
27.74
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • NeuroImage (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
NIH (MH060941)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Functional Brain Connectivity Studies
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Mind wandering and attention
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Functions and Memory
Keywords
default mode network, dorsal attention network, frontoparietal network, goal-directed cognition, planning, resting-state functional connectivity, network coupling
MeSH terms
Adolescent, Adult, Attention, Cognition, Decision Making, Female, Frontal Lobe, Goals, Humans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Male, Nerve Net, Parietal Lobe, Feedback, Physiological, Young Adult

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