The structural neural substrate of automatic imitation for empathic communication

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K16078
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Cognitive science
• Research Institution: Aichi University
• Principal Investigator: Ito Hiroshi 愛知大学, 文学部, 准教授 (20464141)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 自動的模倣 / ミラーニューロンシステム

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The effect of automatic imitation in a strategic context was examined within an East Asian culture (Japan) through a study using the game of rock-paper-scissors. The task of strategic players is to avoid imitating their opponents. Study participants (N = 42) were instructed to play the game and to win as many rounds as possible, while either or both players were blindfolded. The results revealed that sighted participants did not unconsciously imitate the gestures of blindfolded participants. Previous findings from Western populations on the effect of automatic imitation in a strategic context were thus not replicated within the present East Asian sample. Using the imitation task of serial arm movements, we found the brain activation of prefrontal cortex while participants were asked to inhibit an automatic imitation.

Free Research Field

認知心理学