Monkey's reached for food and then watched someone else reach for food, on both occasions the same neuron fired
1 of 9
What did Umilta find?
Carried out a similar experiment to Rizzoletti but the food was hidden behind a screen. Same neuron still fired - showed the monkeys understood what the action entailed
2 of 9
Why are mirror neurons beneficial in an evolutionary context?
The ability to predict/understand the actions of others increases chance of survival - able to collect food/a mate and avoid violence
3 of 9
In what ways does MNS offer a biological explanation for uniquely human traits?
Keysers found a correlation between empathy and MNS activity. Binkofski found MNS in the area of the brain associated with speech.
4 of 9
Why did Baren Cohen believe that autism is affected by MNS?
MNS underpins theory of mind. Autistic people lack theory of mind - therefore may have a damaged MNS
5 of 9
How did research by Depretto support this?
Compared autistics and non autistics. Autistics had less activity in the MNS when imitating.
6 of 9
What is one issue with Depretto's study?
The data is correlational so we cannot determine cause and effect.
7 of 9
Why can we not assume that damaged MNS is the only cause of autism?
It doesn't explain all symptoms of autism (eg. savants)
8 of 9
What is one major issue with research into MNS?
MRI scans can't measure activity in individual neurons - can't be sure the same neurons fire
9 of 9
Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
What did Umilta find?
Back
Carried out a similar experiment to Rizzoletti but the food was hidden behind a screen. Same neuron still fired - showed the monkeys understood what the action entailed
Card 3
Front
Why are mirror neurons beneficial in an evolutionary context?
Back
Card 4
Front
In what ways does MNS offer a biological explanation for uniquely human traits?
Back
Card 5
Front
Why did Baren Cohen believe that autism is affected by MNS?
Comments
No comments have yet been made