6.16 Mirror Neurons and Their Functions

These flashcards cover key concepts related to mirror neurons, their discovery, functions in observing actions, intentions, and empathy.

Mirror Neurons

Neurons that fire both when an individual performs an action and when they observe the same action performed by others.

Observational Learning

Learning that occurs through observing the behavior of others.

Motor Cortex

The area of the brain responsible for planning, controlling, and executing voluntary movements.

Intentions of Action

The perceived purpose behind an action, which can influence how the action is interpreted.

Empathy

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

Contextual Interpretation

Understanding actions differently based on the surrounding circumstances.

Pain Observation

The phenomenon where observing someone experiencing pain activates brain areas associated with the same pain in the observer.

Neuroscientists

Scientists who study the nervous system and its functions.