The next talk in the CEU Cognitive Development Center seminar series will be given by

Dr. Tania Singer

Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences

Date: FRIDAY, September 17, 2010, *3 PM* (NOTE: this talk will not be held at the usual date and time!)
Location: CEU Cognitive Development Center
Hattyś u. 14, Budapest, 3rd floor

Title: Understanding Others: Developmental and Neuronal Basis of Social Emotions and Egocentricity Bias

 

With the emergence of social neuroscience, researchers have started to investigate the underpinnings of our ability to share and understand the feelings and minds of others. After defining relevant concepts, I will give a short overview about fMRI studies investigating empathic brain responses elicited by the observation of others in pain and show how these empathic brain responses are modulated by several contextual, stimulus intrinsic and person-specific factors. The important role of anterior insula cortex for empathy and interoceptive awareness will be highlighted. In addition, a series of behavioral, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) experiments will be presented which focus on the investigation of emotional egocentricity bias and the ability for self-other distinction. Finally, several studies will be presented on the development of social emotions, behavioral control and egocentricity bias.