| Title | Mind-Wandering as a Natural Kind: A Family-Resemblances View. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2018 |
| Authors | Seli P, Kane MJ, Smallwood J, Schacter DL, Maillet D, Schooler JW, Smilek D |
| Journal | Trends Cogn Sci |
| Volume | 22 |
| Issue | 6 |
| Pagination | 479-490 |
| Date Published | 2018 Jun |
| ISSN | 1879-307X |
| Abstract | As empirical research on mind-wandering accelerates, we draw attention to an emerging trend in how mind-wandering is conceptualized. Previously articulated definitions of mind-wandering differ from each other in important ways, yet they also maintain overlapping characteristics. This conceptual structure suggests that mind-wandering is best considered from a family-resemblances perspective, which entails treating it as a graded, heterogeneous construct and clearly measuring and describing the specific aspect(s) of mind-wandering that researchers are investigating. We believe that adopting this family-resemblances approach will increase conceptual and methodological connections among related phenomena in the mind-wandering family and encourage a more nuanced and precise understanding of the many varieties of mind-wandering. |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.tics.2018.03.010 |
| Alternate Journal | Trends Cogn. Sci. (Regul. Ed.) |
| PubMed ID | 29776466 |
| PubMed Central ID | PMC5962028 |
| Grant List | R01 AG008441 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States |
