Eli5:What happens in the brain when you finally understand something?

Question

Let’s say you are stuggling to understand a math concept for a while and suddendly you get it. What mechanism caused it?

In: 89

Answer 1

The main thing that solidifies a memory is dopamine. When you learn something new, dopamine is released by the brain and that encourages your braincells to reinforce the memories that were just made.

When you finally understand something, you have made new connections in your mind. You keep checking the connections you are making to see if they “make sense.” Once you finally develop the connections that create the logic you need, you recognize that you have the right answer, and a rush of dopamine hits your brain.

It’s trial and error with a hit of dopamine once you get it right.