Meditation and flexibility of visual perception and verbal problem solving

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of the regular practice of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique on habitual patterns of visual perception and verbal problem solving. The study's predictions were expressed in the context of Norman's model, which suggests that meditation reduces conceptually driven processes. It was specifically hypothesized that the TM technique involves a reduction of habitual patterns of perceptual and conceptual activation, resulting in (1) more effective application of schemata to new information and (2) less distracting mental activity during performance. This was predicted to result in improved task performance on task conditions in which either (1) habitual patterns of performance hinder or do not aid performance or (2) habitual patterns aid performance. Subjects began the TM technique, relaxed, or added nothing to their daily schedule for 2-week periods. In addition to generalized effects of the interventions, the immediate effects of the TM technique, relaxation, and reading were compared on a letter perception task. The general hypothesis was supported for tasks of tachistoscopic identification of card and letter-sequence stimuli, but not for the verbal problem solving task of anagram solution.This study investigates the effect of the regular practice of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique on perception and cognitive manipulation of habitual and unfamiliar stimuli. The TM technique is described as a systematic means of reducing the level of mental activity while maintaining alertness; regular experience of this process, in alternation with ordinary activity, is said to result in both broader comprehension and greater ability to focus attention (Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, 1969). If so, the technique should affect perceptual processes. Previous perceptual research on the TM technique found an increase in the field-independent mode of perception in beginning participants in the TM program, after 3 months, on the embedded figures test, the rod-and-frame test, and the autokinetic perception test (Pelletier, 1974).Within the existing cognitive literature, one framework for understanding how the TM technique could affect the information processing system is a model of meditation suggested by Norman (Lindsay & Norman, 1977). This suggestion is that the reduction of mental

The Effectiveness of Tai Chi, Yoga, Meditation, and Reiki Healing Sessions in Promoting Health and Enhancing Problem Solving Abilities of Registered Nurses

“…The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society emphasizes that meditation and other contemplative practices facilitate problem solving and prompt moments of insight (Gravois, 2005). Dillbeck (1982) reported increased cognitive flexibility in participants after meditation training. So and Orme-Johnson (2001) found an increase in field independence in students who meditated.…”

Effects of Transcendental Meditation practice on brain functioning and stress reactivity in college students

“…The anterior cingulate is important in conflict detection (Carter and van Veen, 2007) and works with the medial prefrontal cortices to control mental flexibility, self-regulation, processing speed, and memory (Pardo et al, 2007). Frontal coherence may support enhanced flexibility and self-regulation, which were not directly measured in this study but have been reported in TM studies of cognitive functioning (Dillbeck, 1982;Alexander et al, 1991).…”

“…A matched design reported greater flexibility in concept learning in college students (Dillbeck, 1982) and faster P300 latency in elderly participants (Goddard, 1989). A meta-analysis of 141 studies reported larger effect sizes for reduction of anxiety through Transcendental Meditation practice compared to other traditional meditation and clinical relaxation responses (Eppley et al, 1989).…”

Meta-analyses and other methodological issues in meditation research: Reply to Orme-Johnson and Dillbeck (2014).

“…This leaves three studies that we should have included (Dillbeck, 1982;Kember, 1985;Martinetti, 1976). We calculated the mean weighted (by sample size) effect size of these three studies and found r ϭ .17, that is, an effect that is smaller than the average effect size we found in our original analysis for TM studies (r ϭ .27).…”