2014.11 - Mirror neurons

What are mirror neurons?

Mirror neurons are specialized neurons that activate both when an individual performs an action and when they observe the same action performed by another.

What is the difference between ‘cold’ actions and ‘non-cold’ actions?

‘Cold’ actions are purely motor actions without emotional context, while ‘non-cold’ actions involve emotional expression. Mirror neurons for cold actions are typically found in the motor cortex, while non-cold actions are linked to emotional or social understanding.

Where are the mirror neurons for cold actions located?

The mirror neurons encoding cold actions are located in the motor cortex.

Where are the mirror neurons for non-cold actions located?

The mirror neurons encoding non-cold actions are located in regions associated with emotional and social processing, such as the premotor cortex and parietal cortex.

What are the two main theories regarding the mechanisms of action understanding?

The two main theories are the direct matching theory, which suggests that we understand actions by simulating them in our own motor system, and the associative learning theory, which posits that understanding comes from learned associations.

Why are most mirror neurons found in macaque cortex not well suited for imitation?

Most mirror neurons in the macaque cortex are not well suited for imitation because they typically respond to specific actions and do not adequately reflect the complexity of social imitation seen in humans.

Where does the evidence for mirror neurons in the human cortex come from?

Evidence for mirror neurons in the human cortex comes from brain imaging studies, such as fMRI and EEG, which show activation in areas associated with mirror neuron activity during observation of actions.

Is the understanding of ‘intention’ a crucial aspect of action understanding?

Yes, the understanding of ‘intention’ is crucial for action understanding, as it allows individuals to comprehend the purpose behind actions.

What is the evidence that mirror neurons are involved in the understanding of ‘intention’?

Evidence includes studies showing that mirror neuron activity increases when observing actions with clear intentions or goals, suggesting a link between mirror neuron activation and understanding intent.

Which types of emotion understanding can be delineated?

Types of emotion understanding that can be delineated include basic emotions (like happiness, sadness, fear), complex emotions (like guilt, shame), and empathic emotions.

Which emotion has been best studied in relation to ‘warm’ mapping of emotions?

Empathy, particularly in understanding emotions related to others' feelings, has been best studied in relation to ‘warm’ mapping of emotions.

What role do mirror neurons play in social cognition?

Key Arguments: 1. Mirror neurons enable understanding of actions and intentions. 2. They enhance empathic responses. 3. Facilitate learning through imitation. Specific Examples: - Direct matching theory in action understanding. - Neuroimaging studies (fMRI, EEG) showing activation during action observation.

How do mirror neurons contribute to our understanding of emotions?

Key Arguments: 1. Active during observation of emotional expressions. 2. Facilitate empathic responses and emotional resonance. Specific Examples: - Studies demonstrating increased activity during emotional observation. - Correlation between empathy and mirror neuron activation.

Discuss the mechanisms underlying action understanding as proposed by the direct matching theory and associative learning theory.

Key Arguments: 1. Direct matching theory suggests actions are understood by neural simulation. 2. Associative learning theory posits understanding arises from learned associations. Specific Examples: - Evidence of fMRI activation in motor areas during action observation for direct matching. - Behavioral studies showing learned associations leading to understanding.

Evaluate the evidence for mirror neurons in humans compared to non-human primates.

Key Arguments: 1. Similarities exist in mirror neuron activity. 2. Differences in complexity of social imitation behaviors. Specific Examples: - Brain imaging studies in humans showing mirror neuron activation. - Studies showing macaque neurons are not well suited for complex social actions.

Analyze the impact of understanding 'intention' in mediated interactions through mirror neurons.

Key Arguments: 1. Intention understanding is essential for social communication. 2. Mirror neurons enhance comprehension of others' motives. Specific Examples: - Studies showing increased mirror neuron activity for goal-directed actions. - Evidence linking mirror neuron activation with empathetic responses to intentions.

What are some specific examples of how mirror neurons enable understanding of actions and intentions?

Mirror neurons allow individuals to simulate observed actions in their own motor systems, leading to action understanding. For instance, when one person observes another reaching for a cup, mirror neurons in the observer's brain may activate as if they themselves are reaching for the cup, providing a direct understanding of that action.

Describe examples of how mirror neurons enhance empathic responses.

Studies have shown that when individuals observe emotional expressions of others, such as a sad face, mirror neuron activity increases in response to these emotions. This increase in activity helps individuals resonate with the emotions of others, often leading to empathetic responses, as the observer feels a semblance of the emotions being expressed.

What are examples illustrating the differences between humans and non-human primates in social imitation behaviors related to mirror neurons?

In non-human primates like macaques, mirror neurons are primarily triggered by specific actions and do not adequately reflect the complex social imitation seen in humans. For instance, while macaques can learn actions through observation, they do not engage in the nuanced imitation behaviors observed in human children, such as pretend play or mimicking social interactions.

Provide examples of studies demonstrating increased mirror neuron activity during emotional observation.

Research using fMRI has shown that observing faces displaying emotions such as happiness or anger activates specific areas of the brain associated with mirror neuron activity. For example, individuals watching a video of someone expressing joy exhibited increased blood flow in mirror neuron areas, indicating a neural resonance with the observed emotion.

What studies provide evidence of learning associations leading to understanding through mirror neurons?

Behavioral studies show that individuals who are exposed to certain actions and their consequences can later demonstrate understanding of those actions without having to reproduce them. For example, when participants watched a series of social interactions, their insight into social behavior improved, illustrating how associative learning through mirror neuron activity contributes to understanding these learned social cues.