Theory of Mind in the Brain Flashcards
Tager-Flusberg 2007
Recent research has looked at how the neurocognitive architecture of ToM with a newer focus on mirror neurons which go beyond ToM, including face processing, imitation, empathy. Mirror neurons may be important for social cognition.
Castelli et al 2002
PET scanned whilst watching animated triangles designed to depict either random movement, goal directed fashion or implied intentions. ASD group gave fewer & less accurate descriptions than typical adults.The ASD group showed less activation in mPFC, STS and temporal lobes compared with controls in the animations designed to elicit mentalising. Extra striate region showed higher activation in both groups, but showed reduced F.C. Physiological cause for ToM dysfunction in Autism. It is hypothesised that top-down modulation does not occur in Autism so social context is more difficult to perceive as there is reduced connectivity in visual + ToM network= less input.
Kana et al 2009
Used fMRI to investigate ToM cortical network using geometrical figures that were animated to elicit mental state attribution. ToM network is underpinned by M.F.G, STS and right parietal junction. New finding was under-connectivity between frontal and posterior regions within ToM network, with frontal ToM areas activated less. Therefore biological basis for atypical processing within Autism.
