Overview

We consider the social brain from the point of view of the kinds of "questions" that it must be asking about others around us. What are the brain processes that answer those questions? E.g.

1. Is someone there? (person detection)
2. Who is there? (person recognition)
3. What are you looking at? (gaze perception)
4. How are you feeling? (emotion perception)
5. What are you doing? (action perception)
6. What are you thinking? (mentalising)
7. How do I feel about you? (trust)
8. How will you react? (social prediction)

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -D Adequate answer to the question, largely based on lecture material. Limited elaboration of arguments.

-good -B Reasonably comprehensive coverage. Well organised and structured. Good understanding of the material.

-excellent -A Comprehensive and accurate coverage of the area clarity of argument and expression. Depth of insight into theoretical issues.

Learning Outcomes

• Be able to think and write critically about current research in human social-cognitive neuroscience.

• Have an understanding of major questions, theoretical perspectives, and debates in human social-cognitive neuroscience.

• Understand some of the key evidence on how the brain supports social-cognitive processes in humans.