Lecture 1

Question 1

Affective neuroscience

Answer 1

The study of how the brain processes emotions. The term “affective neuroscience” was coined by neuroscientist Jaak Panksepp (Estonian-American scientist, 2005), at a time when cognitive neuroscience focused on parts of psychology that did not include emotion, such as attention or memory.

Question 2

Skinner’s view on emotions (1953)

Answer 2

“The ‘emotions’ are excellent examples of the fictional causes to which we commonly attribute behavior.”

Question 3

The use of neuroscience in the study of emotions (Panksepp, 2005)

Answer 3

Affective neuroscience is the bridge that can bring together the findings of animal behaviorists, the psychological basis of the human mind, and the nature of neural systems within the mammalian brain (behavioral, psychological, and neurological perspectives). It is rooted within behavioral neuroscience.

Question 4

How to study internal states? (Panksepp, 2005)

Answer 4

If we consider actions to be valid indicators of internal states in humans, we should also be ready to grant internally experienced feelings to other animals. There are no direct metrics to quantify changes in emotional states in any living creature. The nature of human and animal emotions cannot be understood without brain research. The analysis of animal emotions (via a study of how animal brains control certain behaviors) makes it possible to conceptualize the underlying nature of human emotions.

Question 5

The aim of affective neuroscience

Answer 5

Understand neurobiological underpinnings of emotions as a brain function. Affective neuroscience outlines a framework for studying emotion, not another theory of emotion. “Scientists studying emotion in rats and in humans need to be able to speak to one another”

Question 6

Emotion vs. feeling

Answer 6

Affective neuroscience defines emotions as states of the brain distinct from conscious feelings. Conscious feelings are just one layer of emotional experience that can be studied in humans. Emotion as neurobiological brain states can be studied in humans and animals by focusing on behavioral expression of emotion. Basic research on emotion control in the brain will help understand and treat mental illness.