other stuff

Question 1

neurofeedback and autism

Answer 1

Mu Neurofeedback training to improve social functioning in autism

EEG rhythms can be influenced through feedback training (Kuhlman, 1978).

This method was further developed, and applied to the Mu rhythm and autism, by Pineda in San Diego (Friedrich et al., 2015; Pineda et al., 2014).

Neurofeedback influences the power of the mu rhythm: Has this implications for behavioural functions such as social behaviour, in which the mu rhythm is thought to play a pivotal role?

If autistic individuals learn to reduce their mu power (increase mirror neuron activity) will their social behaviour (imitation, simulation, understanding of others’ actions) improve?

Question 2

associative learning and MNs

Answer 2

Where do mirror neurons come from?

An evolutionary adaptation: innate, hardwired in the brain.
Function = action understanding

By-product of associative learning.
Possibly no function at all.

The associative account implies that mirror neurons come from
sensorimotor experience, and that much of this experience is
obtained through interaction with others

Question 3

direct v constructive matching

Answer 3

Csibra’s main thesis:

Action mirroring does not follow observed actions in a 1-to-1 manner (resonance model), but it anticipates future actions.

Activity in mirror mechanisms therefore enables action coordination with others.
= “constructive matching”

Direct matching: mirroring (resonance) automatically induces action understanding in terms of goals by means of motor simulation.

Constructive matching: action interpretation and inferring the other’s intention is performed outside the motor system, and is then fed into the MNS where it induces action mirroring.

Rizzolatti / Gallese:

1. Observed action
2. Action mirroring (resonance)
3. Action interpretation (within motor system) on basis of internal simulation of the observed action.Csibra:
4. Observed action plus context
5. Action interpretation (outside motor system): emulation.
6. Action mirroring to anticipate other’s actions.

Both Rizzolatti and Csibra agree that there is a lot of action mirroring taking place.

Rizzolatti: Action understanding follows action mirroring. Cognitively unmediated resonance.

Csibra: Action understanding precedes, rather than follows, action mirroring.
Purpose of mirroring is not imitation, empathy or ToM, but
to enable engagement in joint actions.

Question 4

goldman’s hybrid theory

Answer 4

low level subconscious simulation mindreading of simpler things such as understanding facial expressions
high level mindreading incooperates TT for occassional coomplex things like propositional attitudes.
goldman argues for mirroring and mental simulation based on studies showing participants with deficits in experiencing an emotion struggle to recognise that emotion (e.g. damage to amygdala with fear) citing face based emotional recognitin test studies

Question 5

critique of goldman’s hybrid

Answer 5

Hole argues there is nothing distinctively simulational about goldman’s low level mindreading mirroring and argues it has more theoretcial features and the discovery of MN does not favour simulational arguments.

Question 6

imitatiion v emulation

Answer 6

Difference between ‘direct matching’ and ‘reconstructive matching’ is akin to the distinction between imitation and emulation:

Imitation = overt reproduction of an observed action
Emulation = reproduction of the outcome of an observed action, by the observer’s own means.

Babies already emulate: not the exact action, but the goal, is copied, and is achieved via a different, possibly more economic, action.

Question 7

csibra empirical support

Answer 7

iacaboni et al 2005

umilta et al 2001

Question 8

interventions and cures for ASD based on MN theories

Answer 8

MNM activity is not completely absent in ASD.
Can it be boosted to improve social behaviour in ASD?

- Biofeedback of EEG signal (Mu rhythm) to enhance MNM activity. (ramachandran)
- If mirror neurons use specific Neurotransmitters > design up of drugs
- Games involving synchronised movements (Wii games, Rizzolatti)

Question 9

closedly linked ASD symptoms to MN

Answer 9

MNM: Allows you, by means of motor simulation, to put yourself in the other’s shoes

ASD: - impaired emotional empathy

- impaired perspective taking and ToM
- lack of pretend play (pretend you are ‘superman’)
- impairment in sophisticated imitation