Are cognitive representations of friends' request refusals implemented in the orbitofrontal and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices? A cognitive neuroscience approach to ‘theory of mind’ in relationships

2006 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 249-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan D. Heisel ◽  
Michael J. Beatty
Keyword(s):  
Theory Of Mind ◽  
Brain Imaging ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Cognitive Neuroscience ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Brain Wave ◽  
Cognitive Representations ◽  
Dorsolateral Prefrontal ◽  
Prefrontal Cortices

Formulating cognitive representations of others' mental states when interpreting behavior (i.e., ‘theory of mind’) rather than merely focusing on the behavior is considered a distinctly human trait which both interpersonal scholars and cognitive neuroscientists agree plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of social relationships. Although brain-imaging studies have led to huge advances in the understanding of memory and language, theories of social relationships remain relatively uninformed by cognitive neuroscience. In the present study, hypotheses regarding the implementation of theory of mind in a relationship context are (a) derived from extant theory and research, and (b) tested via brain-imaging technology. Specifically, spectrum analyses were conducted using brain wave recordings collected by an electroencephalograph (EEG) monitoring oscillations in the gamma range for the orbitofrontal and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices while participants attempted to construct cognitive representations regarding a friend's request refusal. Results indicated statistically greater electrical activity in both cortical regions for participants engaged in the task than for participants in the control condition. The implications of the findings for building a fully elaborated sequential process model of cognitive representations in interpersonal contexts, among other theoretical endeavors, are discussed.

scholarly journals Increased functional connectivity of thalamic subdivisions in patients with Parkinson’s disease

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Conor Owens-Walton ◽  
David Jakabek ◽  
Brian D. Power ◽  
Mark Walterfang ◽  
Dennis Velakoulis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Basal Ganglia ◽  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Dopaminergic Neurons ◽  
Supplementary Motor Area ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Dorsolateral Prefrontal ◽  
Precise Role ◽  
Prefrontal Cortices

AbstractParkinson’s disease (PD) affects 2-3% of the population over the age of 65 with loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra impacting the functioning of basal ganglia-thalamocortical circuits. The precise role played by the thalamus is unknown, despite its critical role in the functioning of the cerebral cortex, and the abnormal neuronal activity of the structure in PD. Our objective was to more clearly elucidate how functional connectivity and morphology of the thalamus are impacted in PD (n = 32) compared to Controls (n = 20). To investigate functional connectivity of the thalamus we subdivided the structure into two important regions-of-interest, the first with putative connections to the motor cortices and the second with putative connections to prefrontal cortices. We then investigated potential differences in the size and shape of the thalamus in PD, and how morphology and functional connectivity relate to clinical variables. Our data demonstrate that PD is associated with increases in functional connectivity between motor subdivisions of the thalamus and the supplementary motor area, and between prefrontal thalamic subdivisions and nuclei of the basal ganglia, anterior and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices, as well as the anterior and paracingulate gyri. These results suggest that PD is associated with increased functional connectivity of subdivisions of the thalamus which may be indicative alterations to basal ganglia-thalamocortical circuitry.

scholarly journals Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Violence Exerted, Received, and Perceived in Teen Dating Relationships

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2284
Author(s):  
Cordelia Estevez-Casellas ◽  
Mª Dolores Gómez-Medina ◽  
Esther Sitges
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Intelligence ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Violent Behavior ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Dating Relationships ◽  
Significant Relation ◽  
Violent Behaviors ◽  
Teen Dating ◽  
The Relationship

Emotional intelligence plays a critical role in adolescence since it involves a change towards psychological, social, and sexual maturity; a stage in which the foundations of intimate social relationships are established. Emotional competences regulate the quality of these relationships in adolescence and can provide protection against or facilitate the use of violence within them. Based on the above, this study aims to analyze the relationship between emotional intelligence and violence exercised, received, and perceived by adolescents in dating relationships. A sample of 254 subjects (43.1% men and 56.9% women) between 12 and 18 years old was analyzed through the Emotional Intelligence Questionnaires of BarOn ICE:NA and Violence Exercised Perceived and Received by Adolescents VERA. The results of the research have shown that there is a significant and inverse relation between the dimensions of emotional intelligence and the violence exercised by adolescents in their dating relationships, and a positive and significant relation between emotional intelligence and the perception of violent behavior. For this reason, the importance of educating people about emotional intelligence from childhood within both the academic and family sphere is highlighted. This is fundamental to preventing the appearance of such violent behaviors and promoting an adequate adaptation to the environment.

Disorders of Musical Cognition

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren Stewart ◽  
Katharina von Kriegstein ◽  
Simone Dalla Bella ◽  
Jason D. Warren ◽  
Timothy D. Griffiths
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Cognitive Neuroscience ◽  
Cognitive Architecture ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Systematic Evaluation ◽  
Neural Basis ◽  
The Past ◽  
Musical Cognition ◽  
Musical Listening

This article presents an overview of case studies of acquired disorders of musical listening. Like any cognitive faculty, music is multifaceted, and the identification of the neural basis of any complex faculty must proceed, hand in hand, with an elucidation of its cognitive architecture. The past decade has seen an evolution in the theoretical models of musical processing, allowing the development of theoretically motivated instruments for the systematic evaluation of musical disorders. Such developments have allowed reports of musical disorders to evolve from historical anecdotes to systematic, verifiable accounts that can play a critical role in contributing to our understanding of the cognitive neuroscience of music.

scholarly journals Chapter 9 - Theory of Mind and Joint Attention - The Handbook on Socially Interactive Agents

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jairo Pérez-Osorio ◽  
Eva Wiese ◽  
Agnieszka Wykowska
Keyword(s):  
Theory Of Mind ◽  
Joint Attention ◽  
Cognitive Neuroscience ◽  
Computational Models ◽  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Virtual Agents ◽  
Artificial Agents ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Social Cognitive Neuroscience ◽  
Intelligent Virtual Agents

The present chapter provides an overview from the perspective of social cognitive neuroscience (SCN) regarding theory of mind (ToM) and joint attention (JA) as crucial mechanisms of social cognition and discusses how these mechanisms have been investigated in social interaction with artificial agents. In the final sections, the chapter reviews computational models of ToM and JA in social robots (SRs) and intelligent virtual agents (IVAs) and discusses the current challenges and future directions.

scholarly journals Prefrontal and Parietal Attractor Networks Mediate Working Memory Judgments

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sihai Li ◽  
Christos Constantinidis ◽  
Xue-Lian Qi
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Memory Task ◽  
Delayed Response ◽  
Persistent Activity ◽  
Neural Basis ◽  
Brain Areas ◽  
Dorsolateral Prefrontal

ABSTRACTThe dorsolateral prefrontal cortex plays a critical role in spatial working memory and its activity predicts behavioral responses in delayed response tasks. Here we addressed whether this predictive ability extends to categorical judgments based on information retained in working memory, and is present in other brain areas. We trained monkeys in a novel, Match-Stay, Nonmatch-Go task, which required them to observe two stimuli presented in sequence with an intervening delay period between them. If the two stimuli were different, the monkeys had to saccade to the location of the second stimulus; if they were the same, they held fixation. Neurophysiological recordings were performed in areas 8a and 46 of the dlPFC and 7a and lateral intraparietal cortex (LIP) of the PPC. We hypothesized that random drifts causing the peak activity of the network to move away from the first stimulus location and towards the location of the second stimulus would result in categorical errors. Indeed, for both areas, when the first stimulus appeared in a neuron’s preferred location, the neuron showed significantly higher firing rates in correct than in error trials. When the first stimulus appeared at a nonpreferred location and the second stimulus at a preferred, activity in error trials was higher than in correct. The results indicate that the activity of both dlPFC and PPC neurons is predictive of categorical judgments of information maintained in working memory, and the magnitude of neuronal firing rate deviations is revealing of the contents of working memory as it determines performance.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe neural basis of working memory and the areas mediating this function is a topic of controversy. Persistent activity in the prefrontal cortex has traditionally been thought to be the neural correlate of working memory, however recent studies have proposed alternative mechanisms and brain areas. Here we show that persistent activity in both the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and posterior parietal cortex predicts behavior in a working memory task that requires a categorical judgement. Our results offer support to the idea that a network of neurons in both areas act as an attractor network that maintains information in working memory, which informs behavior.

Sociocultural dynamics in whistleblowing: insights from India

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Premilla D'Cruz ◽  
Brita Bjørkelo
Keyword(s):  
Social Relationships ◽  
Power Distribution ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Sociocultural Factors ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Important Basis

Purpose – Through state-of-the-art insights on whistleblowing in India, the purpose of this paper is to highlight the role of sociocultural dynamics in whistleblowing. Design/methodology/approach – A review of literature on wrongdoing and whistleblowing in India revealed various aspects of the national context pertinent to different stages of the phenomenon. Thematic analysis of these dimensions, allowing for a nomothetic approach, resulted in identifying six sociocultural themes common across wrongdoing and whistleblowing. Findings – Sociocultural dynamics impacting the emergence, persistence and recognition of wrongdoing, the decision to blow the whistle, engagement in whistleblowing and the outcomes of whistleblowing encompass social relationships, power distribution, materialistic considerations, sense of propriety and fairness, public/civic orientation and ideological leanings. These factors coexist with international influences, institutional framework, workplace ethos and individual orientation. The presence of wrongdoing and the trajectory of whistleblowing in India are affected by the aforementioned factors. Research limitations/implications – The paper is based on secondary data rather than empirical endeavours. Social implications – By underscoring the relevance of contextual dynamics, in particular sociocultural factors, in the whistleblowing process, the paper indicates an important basis for appropriate interventions to manage wrongdoing and encourage whistleblowing while protecting whistleblowers and ensuring attention to rectifying wrongdoing and sanctioning offenders. Originality/value – Apart from providing a contemporary and comprehensive overview of whistleblowing in India, the paper uncovers the significance of sociocultural factors which have been overlooked so far in the substantive area. Moreover, a contextualised process model of whistleblowing is proposed based on the analysis. In subsuming temporality, context and outcomes for all stakeholders, the model displays complexity and causality, emphasising holism.

Theory of Mind in patients with ventromedial or dorsolateral prefrontal lesions following traumatic brain injury

Brain Injury ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 24 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 978-987 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra Geraci ◽  
Luca Surian ◽  
Marco Ferraro ◽  
Anna Cantagallo
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Theory Of Mind ◽  
Dorsolateral Prefrontal

Social Empathy

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A. Segal
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Brain Imaging ◽  
Cognitive Neuroscience ◽  
Policy Making ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Neuroscience Research ◽  
Social Empathy ◽  
The Relationship

This article defines and explains the concept and trait of social empathy and the relationship to interpersonal empathy. Both concepts are explained using the latest cognitive neuroscience research on brain activity. Through brain imaging, the components that together make up the full array of empathy have been identified and are discussed in relation to social work practice. The application of social empathy in the policy-making arena is described, and the implications for social work practice to enhance empathy are discussed.

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