Cognitive Developnent - Social Cognition Mirror Neurons Flashcards
What are mirror neuron’s and how were they first identified?
They are specialized brain cells they fire both when an individual performs an action and when that same action is merely observed in someone else.
Why were these cells given the term ‘mirror’ neurons?
They were named “mirror” neurons because they reflect or “mirror” the actions of others in the observer’s own motor system, as though the observer is mentally simulating the action they see.
How might mirror neurons be linked to understanding the intentions behind actions?
These neurons allow a person to simulate someone else’s actions in their own motor system. By doing so, the person can infer the goals or intentions behind what they observe, helping them interpret why another individual is performing a particular action.
In what way could mirror neurons supportive support perspective-taking and theory of mind?
By firing in response to both observed and personally performed actions, these neurons could create a shared neural experience that fosters an understanding of someone else’s point of view. This simulation of another’s emotions, intentions, or thoughts may support higher-level social abilities, such as theory of mind.
How might mirror neurons have been important in human evolutionary development?
It has been suggested that they facilitated complex social interactions by enabling individuals to decode and predict the actions and emotional states of others. This capacity for sophisticated social understanding is thought to have helped humans cooperate in large groups and develop intricate cultural practices.
What does the “broken mirror theory” of autism propose?
It suggests that dysfunctions in the mirror neuron system may disrupt the normal ability to imitate and interpret social cues. From early childhood, these neural differences could make it more challenging to understand others’ expressions and intentions, contributing to social and communication difficulties.
What evidence supports the idea that mirror neurons are involved when people imitate or understand facial expressions?
Recordings from individual neurons in certain brain regions have shown that the same cells fire when people produce a facial expression and when they watch someone else produce it. This indicates a close connection between personal experience of an expression and the observation of that expression in others.
Which brain regions have been commonly associated with mirror neuron activity in humans?
Research often highlights the inferior frontal gyrus and the premotor cortex. These areas consistently show increased activity when people observe or perform actions, including those that convey intentions and emotional states.
What is mu desynchronization, and how does it relate to mirror neurons?
Mu desynchronization is a reduction in a certain EEG rhythm (8–13 Hz) recorded over sensorimotor regions of the scalp. It happens when a person performs an action or observes another person performing the same action, offering indirect evidence that the motor system is engaged during action observation.
How does brain imaging research suggest a connection between mirror neurons and empathy?
Studies have reported increased activity in regions rich in mirror neurons when individuals witness actions or experiences that elicit an empathetic response, such as yawning or inferring someone’s emotions. This pattern of activation implies a neural mechanism for sharing or resonating with others’ states.
What patterns have been identified in individuals on the autism spectrum regarding mirror neuron-related brain regions?
Structural differences like reduced volume in certain frontal areas, as well as decreased activation in these regions when viewing emotional expressions, have been reported. These findings point toward a possible link between atypical mirror neuron function and the social challenges seen in autism.
What limitations exist in studying mirror neurons solely with methods such as fMRI or EEG?
Techniques like fMRI measure broad changes in blood flow rather than pinpointing individual neuron activity. EEG can detect electrical changes over large brain areas but lacks precise spatial resolution. Both are considered indirect measures, so it can be difficult to confirm which exact cells are firing.
Why are single-unit recordings in humans rare, and what do they show about mirror neuron activity?
Single-unit recordings require direct access to the brain, typically possible only in clinical contexts like pre-surgical mapping for epilepsy. These rare opportunities have shown that individual neurons in certain frontal and temporal areas can respond during both executed and observed actions, supporting the existence of mirror-like responses in humans.
Why is there debate about whether mirror neuron’s are the definitive explanation for autism?
While some findings point to functional or structural differences in mirror neuron areas in autism, others are inconsistent or difficult to interpret. It remains challenging to isolate mirror neuron dysfunction as the sole or primary cause, so more research is needed to draw firm conclusions.
How have some proposed strengthening the mirror neuron system in individual on the autism spectrum?
One suggestion is the use of imitation or mirroring exercises, where individuals practice copying the actions or facial expressions of others. The idea is that repeatedly engaging the mirror neuron system could enhance its functioning and potentially improve social skills.
What broader significance do mirror neurons have for social cognition research?
They offer a possible neural basis for how individuals understand and learn from each other, influencing theories about empathy, language development, intention reading, and the complexity of human social interaction. However, the extent of their contribution continues to be investigated.
What is an example of a behavior often linked to mirror neurons that many people experience in daily life?
Contagious yawning is frequently cited as an example. Observing someone yawn can trigger a yawn in oneself, highlighting a possible mirror mechanism that aligns observation with internal motor plans.
Why is correlational evidence from imaging studies not enough to confirm a causal role of mirror neurons in social cognition?
Imaging typically shows that certain brain regions activate alongside specific tasks or experiences, but activation alone does not prove these neurons cause the behavior or experience. Other factors could be contributing, and direct manipulation or more precise measurement is needed to establish causation.
