Theory of Mind relates to the development of an ability to understand the thoughts and emotions of others. fMRI has provided significant insight into the brain region (right parietal-temporal junction) associated with this ability. Dr. Rebecca Saxe from MIT has been a leader in this research. Posted above is her TED talk related to her research--it is about 16 minutes. Posted below are my notes on the presentation:
- As scientist I am interested in how it's so easy to understand what is on other minds.
- Humans have an amazing capacity to understand what's on the minds of others.
- The brain's has a special region dedicated to this function
- Right temporal parietal junction (RPTJ)
- This area has no other major function, it is specific for reading others thoughts
- Children take a long time to develop this skill
- Between ages 3 and 5they begin to understand others can have thoughts different than their own
- Video presented that demonstration of testing this skill in children
- Understanding what is on other people's mind important for moral development
- fMRI studies allow understanding how this brain region develops--from less to much more specialized
- Even adults vary in their ability to understand the thoughts of others
- Video demonstrating testing this skill in adults
- fMRI imaging in adults shows variability in activation of RPTJ with probe
- The function of this area of the brain can modified using transcutaneous magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
- Applying rTMS to the RPTJ modifies level of rating blame
- Q and A period
- Saxe notes the potential misuse of this research and technology
- There has been interest from the Department of Defense in her work
Dr. Saxe's lab for publication list and more information is here.
Saxe RR, Whitfield-Gabrieli S, Scholz J, & Pelphrey KA (2009). Brain regions for perceiving and reasoning about other people in school-aged children. Child development, 80 (4), 1197-209 PMID: 19630902
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