Fundamental points

Question 1

Isn’t there limited evidence for fetal social cognition? Why fund this project?

Answer 1

• Converging evidence: newborn preferences prenatal voice learning * ERC for high-risk paradigm-shifting research * Phased approach allows pivot * Innovation addresses evidence gap

Question 2

Recruitment concerns as inexperienced PI?

Answer 2

Tübingen = top 10 OB-GYN globally * 600+ fetal MEGs since 2008 * 250 participants 60/year track record * Leadership: senior author + supervise students

Question 3

Why not validate in preterm infants first?

Answer 3

• Preterm ≠ term-equivalent fetuses * Birth + ex-utero changes brain * Health threats cause preterm birth * Womb more controlled than cradle

Question 4

Ethical implications for abortion debate?

Answer 4

• Clear communication: consciousness impossible before third trimester * No thalamocortical synapses until 25+ weeks * Philosopher collaboration * Standardized media language

Question 5

Multiple comparisons problem?

Answer 5

• Family-wise FDR correction per work package * Preregistered analysis plan * Fewer tests than typical neuroimaging

Question 6

How distinguish cognition from sensory processing?

Answer 6

Control stimuli distinguish social vs general sensory * MEG only detects cortical activity (as opposed to, e.g., superior colliculus) * Falsifiable: responses must be stimulus-specific

Question 7

Effect size inflation from pilot studies?

Answer 7

• Minimum 120 participants regardless of WP1 * 80% power for small-medium effects * Treat large pilot effects skeptically * Preregister decision rules

Question 8

Budget and facility access concerns?

Answer 8

• Helmholz pays for helium and fMEG upkeep

Question 9

Monitor fetal behavioral state?

Answer 9

• Simultaneous fetal MCG * covary for HRV as continuous variable * HRV is the best indicator of fetal behavioral state according to Semeia et al. 2022

Question 10

Where’s the social in social cognition?

Answer 10

• Measuring precursors to social cognition * Category-specific neural responses * Building blocks for interaction