6.16 Mirror Neurons and Their Functions

Observational learning refers to the process of learning behaviors by observing others rather than through direct experience.
The mechanism of how this occurs in the brain is explored through the function of mirror neurons.

Mirror neurons are a specific type of neuron discovered in the late 20th century, primarily within the motor cortex of monkeys.
Definition: Neurons that activate not only when an individual performs an action but also when they observe that same action being performed by others.

Initially discovered during experiments to study the motor functions of monkeys (1980s - 1990s).
Key Experiment:
- Researchers presented food (e.g., a banana) to a monkey and measured neuronal response.
- They observed that certain neurons fired when the monkey reached for the food, but also when the researchers reached for it in the monkey’s presence.
This phenomenon indicated that these neurons were not solely tied to the monkey's own actions.

When measuring mirror neuron activity:
- Significant neuronal activation occurs when the monkey performs the action of grasping food.
- There is also noteworthy activation when the monkey observes an experimenter grasping the same food.
- No activation occurs when observing a different action, such as the experimenter using pliers to grasp the food.
- Conclusion: Activation corresponds only to the same equivalent action, demonstrating that the observer's mirror neurons respond to the observed action, regardless of the performer.

Mirror neurons are implicated in interpreting the intentions behind observed actions.
Contextual Influences: Experiments showed that an action's intention is perceived differently based on context.
- Example Contexts:
  - Before Tea Context: The scene is organized, leading observers to interpret the reaching action as an intention to grab tea.
  - After Tea Context: The messy scene leads to the interpretation of the action as an intention to clean up.
This differential perception impacts the neural activity exhibited by mirror neurons:
- Higher neuronal activity corresponds to the perceived intention to drink versus clean.

Researchers suggest that mirror neuron activity is linked to empathy and our ability to understand and share the feelings of others.
Example of Empathy: Brain imaging studies demonstrate increased brain activity in participants observing their romantic partners in pain.
- This suggests that when people witness others' emotional or physical states, similar neural pathways activate as if they were experiencing the same state themselves.

Mirror neurons offer a biological mechanism for observational learning and empathy.
They allow individuals to not only imitate actions but also to understand intentions and share emotional experiences through neural activities associated with observation.