11.1.18

Evaluation of Biological Basis of Social Cognition

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Evaluation of Mirror Neurons

Mirror neurons, while an important and fascinating discovery, are not without controversy. There has been a debate over the role of the mirror neurons and their importance in social cognition processes like imitation and theory of mind.

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Imitation learning

  • Imitation learning is when a person or animal mimics behaviour or actions to learn.
  • Macaque monkeys have limited imitation learning ability.
  • However, many conclusions have been drawn regarding the role of mirror neurons in imitation from macaques, even though they have this limited ability.
  • In other words, the exact function and importance of mirror neurons is nowhere near being fully understood.
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Theory of mind

  • Theory of mind is an important concept that has tried to be explained in connection to mirror neurons.
  • However, the link is controversial as there are two streams of evidence that go against the link.
  • The first is the fact that monkeys do not seem to have the same theory of mind as humans do, even though mirror neurons are found in both humans and monkeys.
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Theory of mind cont.

  • The second is that theory of mind fMRI studies show that regions of the brain are active during theory of mind tests but are believed not to contain mirror neurons.
  • A potential suggestion is that mirror neurons are involved in imitation learning, but theory of mind requires more than just mirror neurons.
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Development

  • Finally, how mirror neurons develop is not fully understood.
  • One study by Falck-Ytter (2006) believes that mirror neurons develop in the first year.
  • This is contradicted by the fact that infants can mimic facial expressions soon after birth (Meltzoff and Moore, 1997).
  • Therefore, imitation may not require mirror neurons or mirror neurons could be innate.
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Future

  • Additional studies need to be carried out to develop a better understanding of mirror neurons and combat these raised issues.

Jump to other topics

1Social Influence

2Memory

3Attachment

4Psychopathology

5Approaches in Psychology

6Biopsychology

7Research Methods

8Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)

9Option 1: Relationships (A2 only)

10Option 1: Gender (A2 only)

11Option 1: Cognition & Development (A2 only)

12Option 2: Schizophrenia (A2 only)

13Option 2: Eating Behaviour (A2 only)

14Option 2: Stress (A2 only)

15Option 3: Aggression (A2 only)

16Option 3: Forensic Psychology (A2 only)

17Option 3: Addiction (A2 only)

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