Decentralized modular network during the climax of narrative stages based on EEG signal processing

This study is the first to integrate electroencephalography (EEG) with brain network analysis methods to investigate the dynamic properties of the brain across various stages of the narrative arc (exposition, rising action, crisis, climax, falling action, denouement). Taking the modular brain network theory as a framework, this research combines a time-frequency analysis of EEG data with an analysis of modular organization changes to uncover the dynamic patterns of functional connectivity involved in narrative processing. The findings show that during the exposition phase, the brain exhibits a consistent and centralized pattern of functional connectivity. As the narrative progresses to the climax, the network connectivity shows a decentralized tendency. In the falling action and denouement phases, the brain recovers the network synergism. Overall, this study highlights that the dynamic reorganization of functional modules within the brain at different narrative stages is closely linked to neural connectivity patterns, providing a new perspective for understanding the neural mechanisms of narrative processing.