[m_darkTemplar]

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.

[petercooper]

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.

[Swizec]

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.