NSCI 355 Lecture 8 (From Empathy to Altruism)

What are modulators of empathy?

- In group vs. Out group

- Experience of individual

watching the pain (e.g. doctor or accupuncture)

- Stress or attention alter empathic neural responses

What is the inclusive fitness theory (Hamilton, 1964) about?

Also known as kin selection, it basically states that a trait (e.g. prosocial behavior) will be passed on through generations only if the benefits of helping are greater than the costs.

How would sexual selection (Sahavi 1975;1995) explain the passing of prosocial behavior?

People are more likely to mate with altruistic partners.

What did Engen & Singer (2015) find in terms of the neural correlates of compassion?

Reward areas (ventral striatum), vmPFC, ACC

In the video shown in class about Elaine receiving shocks (She couldn't recite the numbers back properly), what was found about observer's choice to switch spots or not?

If the option was between switching or continuing watching --> Most responses were to switch spots with Elaine

If the option was between switching or going home --> Most responses were to go home and let Elaine receive rest of shocks

What did Batson et al. (1981) find by twisting the Elaine experiment by allowing observer to see Elaine's responses on an attitude questionnaire?

When observer is dissimilar, they were not likely to switch places when option to go home was there.

When observer is similar to Elaine, they still choose to switch despite having option to go home

What brain areas did Moreli, Rameson, & Lieberman (2012) find that were in common with empathy that overlapped with Pain, Anxiety, and Happiness scenarios?

Septal Area was consistent in all different scenarios.

What is the general conclusion about the septal area and prosocial behavior?

Septal area may take the converging inputs from other brain regions involved in empathy and convert them to the urge/motivation to help.