No association of COMT with insight problem solving in Chinese college students

Abstract

Genes involved in dopamine (DA) neurotransmission, such as the catechol-O-methyltransferase gene (COMT), have been suggested as key genetic candidates that might underlie the genetic basis of insight. In a sample of Chinese college students, this study examined whether COMT was associated with individual differences in the ability to solve classic insight problems. The results demonstrated that COMT was not associated with insight problem solving and there was no gender-dependent effect. This study, together with previous studies, raises the possibility of a complex relationship between COMT and insight problem solving.

A review of current research on genetic factors associated with the functioning of the perceptual and emotional systems of the brain

“…In their work it was shown that the COMT gene is associated with insight problem solving in men. Carriers of the Met allele demonstrated a significantly higher level of insight problem solving [31].…”