cognition and development- mirror neuron evaluation

Question 1

one strength of mirror neurons (evidence to support the link between mirror neurons and empathy)

Answer 1

There is evidence to support an important role for mirror neurons in human social cognition.

Haker et al (2012) demonstrated that Brodmann’s area 9 in the right frontal lobe, an area of the brain believed to be rich in mirror neurons, is involved in contagious yawning.

This is widely seen as an example of human empathy and the ability to perceive mental states in others

mirror neurons ⇒ play a role in empath

Question 2

explain another strength of mirror neurons (mirror neurons and perspective taking)

Answer 2

Mouras et al (2008) asked male participants to watch either a fishing documentary, Mr Bean or heterosexual pornography.

Brain activity measured ⇒ fMRI

arousal measured ⇒ pressure sensitive penis ring.

Pars opercularis activity was seen immediately before sexual arousal.

Pars opercularis ⇒ region of the brain believed to be rich in mirror neurons

findings are consistent with the idea that mirror neurons play a role in perspective taking.

Question 3

what is another strength of mirror neurons (brain scanning evidence)

Answer 3

Brain scans such as fMRI’s identify activity levels in regions of the brain but do not allow us to measure activity in individual brain cells.

Researchers ⇒ inferring that activity in parts of the brain means activity in mirror neurons.

Therefore, there is a lack of direct evidence for mirror neuron activity in humans.

Question 4

strength and limitation of mirror neurons ( mirror neurons and ASD)

Answer 4

Hadjikhani (2007) reviewed evidence for the link between ASD and a deficit in mirror neuron function ⇒ found some support.

eg ⇒ Structural brain scans have shown a smaller average thickness for the pars opercularis (an area believed to be rich in mirror neurons) in participants with ASD.

. However, not all findings have been replicated consistently ⇒ evidence linking ASD to mirror neurons is mixed.

broken mirror theory of ASD lacks reliable evidence to support the theory.

Answer 5

questions over the precise role or mirror neurons.

Hickok ⇒ mirror neuron activity may have more to do with using others’ behaviour to plan our own, rather than understanding the cognitions behind it.

Researchers should provide better evidence to support their claims of the role of mirror neurons in social cognition.