Neural representation of abstract task structure during generalization

Cognitive models in psychology and neuroscience widely assume that the human brain maintains an abstract representation of tasks. This assumption is fundamental to theories explaining how we learn quickly, think creatively, act flexibly. However, neural evidence for a verifiably generative task has been lacking. Here, report experimental paradigm requires forming such adaptively novel conditions without feedback. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, observed structure was represented within left mid-lateral prefrontal cortex, bilateral precuneus, inferior parietal cortex. These results provide support instantiation long-supposed setting where can verify its influence. Such afford massive expansions behavioral flexibility additional experience, vital characteristic cognition.