Social Cognition

A set of practice flashcards based on lecture notes about social cognition, covering important concepts, brain regions, and theories.

What is the role of the prefrontal cortex in social cognition?

The prefrontal cortex houses processing that is critical for successful social behavior and continues to develop through adolescence.

How does social isolation during childhood affect brain development?

Social isolation and lack of social play negatively impact the neuronal development of areas supporting social behavior, leading to deficits that persist into adulthood.

What is the self-reference effect in memory?

The self-reference effect is the enhanced memory for information processed in relation to the self.

What brain region is associated with the ability to predict our state of mind?

The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) is key to predicting our state of mind.

What is Theory of Mind (TOM)?

Theory of Mind is the ability to impute mental states to oneself and others, which is crucial for social development and interactions.

Which brain regions are involved in the perception of others' mental states?

The medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and right temporoparietal junction (TPJ) are key regions when reasoning about others' mental states.

What deficits are commonly observed in individuals with autism spectrum disorder?

Individuals with autism exhibit deficits in social perception, social knowledge, and Theory of Mind.

What is the role of mirror neurons in social cognition?

Mirror neurons activate during both the observation of an action and its execution, contributing to understanding the intentions and emotions of others.

What is the difference between experience sharing theory and mental state attribution theory?

Experience sharing theory suggests we infer the thoughts of others by simulating their experiences while mental state attribution theory posits that we use learned theories about others' thoughts.

How does damage to the orbitofrontal cortex affect social behavior?

Damage to the orbitofrontal cortex can result in inappropriate social behavior and a lack of insight into social norms.

What impact does perceived social isolation have on a person's health?

Perceived social isolation is linked to increased morbidity and mortality rates, cognitive decline, and various health issues.

What are the common symptoms of autism spectrum disorder?

Common symptoms include social deficits, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior.

What is the default network in the brain?

The default network includes regions like the MPFC, and is activated during self-referential thought and when considering others' mental states.

What are the effects of early-life stress on social cognition?

Early-life stress can lead to long-lasting negative effects on brain development and social functioning.

How does the anterior cingulate cortex contribute to self-perception?

The anterior cingulate cortex focuses attention on positive self-related information, influencing how we perceive ourselves.

What is the significance of the temporoparietal junction (TPJ) in social cognition?

The TPJ is crucial for integrating sensory information related to self and body, and is involved in the experience of embodiment.