Mirror Neuron System Flashcards
How is neuron functioning measured
Single-cell recording is a technique used to observe changes in voltage or current in a single neuron.
Mirror Neuron System allows us to do what?
They argue that mirror neurons may be important for understanding the actions of other people, and for learning new skills by imitation.
Why do mirror neurons fire?
The researchers found a small number of neurons that fired or showed their greatest activity both when the individual performed a task and when they observed a task
How were Mirror Neurons found?
Italian Neurophysiologist discovered unique neurons in the frontal and premotor cortex while doing research on the neural representation of motor movements in monkeys.
What does it mean by saying Mirror neurons only fire when there is intent?
Mirror Neurons only fire if we see a meaningful action.
Such copying someone who is drinking water.
and Not copying someone twiddling their hair
Mirror Neuron System is the foundation of what?
Action,
Understanding,
Imitation
Empathy
Mirror Neuron System explain the development of social cognition?
Understand peoples behaviour and action in a social world
The Accidental Discovery Of Mirror Neurons
Rizzolatti found that when monkeys watched anohter monkey perform an action certain neurons in the area of the premotor cortex became active. These neurons were also active when the monkey repeated the action. They had discovered a system that explains how one individual imitates another.
Describe Imitation in the role of the mirror neuron system
Imitation is important is important in acquiring skilled behaviours.
Behaviour regulation is another aspect of imitation.
MN response to generally ‘off-line’ response link is ‘off’
On-line behaviour results in immediate imitation of observed behaviour because the observation response link is ‘on’
Found that individuals who have frontal cortex damage display compulsive imitation, presumably because the link is ‘on’ when it should be ‘off’
Describe Perspective-taking and ToM in the role of the mirror neuron system
MNs may be seen as a part of a more general mind reading ability because they enable us to experience someone elses actions as if they are our own. This suggests MNs are the mechanism underlying ToM and may also lead to the development of empathy to understanding how others are feeling.
Describe Language acquisition in the role of the mirror neuron system
It is likely MNs are involved in the imitation of speech sounds at the beginning of learning language. Found evidence of MNs in Brocas area involved in speech production, which is the human equivalent of the F5 are in monkeys.
Describe the basis of human uniqueness in the role of the mirror neuron system
Psychologists proposed MNs are especially developed in humans, enabling us to excel in social relationships. This is the evolutionary basis of the success of the human species
