Summary of Focused and diffuse modes of thinking- a brief on how it functions

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This video looks at the two different modes of thinking that we use – the focused and diffuse modes. It explains how they are each associated with different neural resting states, and how the two modes are related to each other. The video also looks at how some people use the diffuse mode of thinking to achieve great things.

• 00:00:00 Researchers have found that we have two fundamentally different modes of thinking- the focused and the diffuse. The focused mode is when you concentrate on something you're trying to learn or understand, while the diffuse mode is when you think broadly and freely. Both modes of thinking are related to a set of neural resting states. The focused mode is associated with a familiar thought pattern, while the diffuse mode is related to a broader, more creative thinking style. The focused mode is limited in its ability to access the diffuse mode, while the diffuse mode is limited in its ability to access the focused mode. In the next video, researchers will show how some extraordinary people use the diffuse mode of thinking to do great things.