Abstract
In a previous study using near-infrared spectroscopy (Yoichi et al, 2002), the authors found spontaneous blood flow change often occurred at both temporal lobes while guessing for hidden figures (clairvoyant condition). This phenomenon was considered to have a relationship to the degree of impression formulation of figures. In the present study, the authors looked at details of the phenomenon. There were 14 participant volunteers. One trial consisted of a 3-minute guessing period and a 3-minute rest period, and 1 run consisted of 3 trials and 69 trials were done in total. The target figure was selected from 5 figures by a pseudo random number function. Then it was displayed on a CRT covered by a gray paper box. After the 3-minute guessing period, subjects gave their answers and degrees of impression formulation (3 degree method). The spontaneous blood flow change at the temporal lobe was observed in 10 trials. The degree of impression formulation was high when the change occurred (p<0.001, one-tail). The change also often occurred when subjects made their responses after guessing although the change did not relate to the degree of impression formulation. Ten guessing results were correct, but this number was not significant. Moreover, 3 of 10 correct trials were obtained when the spontaneous blood flow change occurred although it was not significant (p=0.06, one-tail). The relationship between the correct response and the spontaneous blood flow change should be researched in further studies.
