I heard during AI Class (6.034 w/Patrick Winston) that the same experiment was repeated with adults but they had to say some pre-determined words the whole time, and they regressed back to the level of pre-6 year olds.
Speech uses the same part of the brain as thought apparently, so making someone say words prevents them from thinking during that time.
they had to say some pre-determined words the whole time, and they regressed back to the level of pre-6 year olds
Only slightly related, but this is why I listen to audiobooks every night to fall to sleep. If I'm listening to someone else, I almost literally can't "think" so my brain chatter is basically eradicated and I fall asleep. I know it's not the same for everyone, but I basically turn into a mindless automaton if I'm actively listening to someone else as I'm an extremely verbal thinker.
This must be why I find it so difficult to talk to people about important things. If you explain something to me verbally, I will not get it. I will hear you, and I will listen intently, and I will have no idea what you just said.
Not that I wouldn't know what you said, but I won't have a deep understanding, I won't be able to use what you said to get work done. This is especially bad with phone conversations.
But if you write it down, then we're talking. I can digest written stuff extremely well.
Speech uses the same part of the brain as thought apparently, so making someone say words prevents them from thinking during that time.