Mind-wandering is associated with switching our attention to internally directed thoughts and is by definition an intrinsic, self-generated cognitive function. Interestingly, previous research showed that it may be possible to modulate its propensity externally, with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeting different regions in the default mode and executive control networks (ECNs). However, these studies used highly heterogeneous montages (targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), the right inferior parietal lobule (IPL), or both concurrently), often showed contradicting results, and in many cases failed to replicate. Our study aimed to establish whether tDCS of the default mode network (DMN), via targeting the right IPL alone, could modulate mind-wandering propensity using a within-subjects double-blind, counterbalanced design. Participants completed sustained attention to response task (SART) interspersed with thought-probes to capture their subjective reports of mind-wandering before and after receiving anodal, cathodal, or sham tDCS over the right IPL (with the reference over the left cheek). We found evidence for the lack of an effect of stimulation on subjective reports of mind-wandering (JZS-BF01 = 5.19), as well as on performance on the SART task (errors (JZS-BF01 = 6.79) and reaction time (JZS-BF01 = 5.94). Overall, we failed to replicate previous reports of successful modulations of mind-wandering propensity with tDCS over the IPL, instead of providing evidence in support of the lack of an effect. This and other recent unsuccessful replications call into question whether it is indeed possible to externally modulate spontaneous or self-generated cognitive processes.

中文翻译：

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tDCS 对右顶叶下小叶对走神倾向的影响

走神与将我们的注意力转移到内部导向的想法有关，并且根据定义是一种内在的、自我生成的认知功能。有趣的是，之前的研究表明，通过针对默认模式和执行控制网络 (ECN) 中的不同区域的经颅直流电刺激 (tDCS)，可以从外部调节其倾向。然而，这些研究使用高度异质性的蒙太奇（针对背外侧前额叶皮层 (DLPFC)、右下顶叶小叶 (IPL)，或两者同时进行），往往显示出相互矛盾的结果，并且在许多情况下未能复制。我们的研究旨在确定默认模式网络 (DMN) 的 tDCS 是否可以通过单独针对正确的 IPL，使用受试者内双盲来调节走神倾向，平衡设计。参与者完成了对反应任务 (SART) 的持续关注，其中穿插着思想探针，以捕捉他们在通过右侧 IPL（参考位于左脸颊）接收阳极、阴极或假 tDCS 之前和之后走神的主观报告。我们发现了刺激对走神的主观报告（JZS-BF01 = 5.19）以及 SART 任务的表现（错误（JZS-BF01 = 6.79）和反应时间（JZS- BF01 = 5.94）总体而言，我们未能复制先前关于通过 IPL 使用 tDCS 成功调节走神倾向的报告，而不是提供证据支持缺乏效果。