TITLE:
What Are the Chances? fMRI Correlates of Observing High and Low-Probability Actions
AUTHORS:
Roger Newman- Norlund, Kim Bruggink, Raymond Cuijpers, Harold Bekkering
KEYWORDS:
Probability; fMRI; Human Mirror Neuron System; Action Observation
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science,
Vol.3 No.1,
February
27,
2013
ABSTRACT: Cognitive scientists often use probabilistic equations to model
human behavior in ambiguous situations. How, where, and even if such
probabilities are represented in the human brain remains largely unknown. Here,
we manipulated the probability of simple bottle-pouring action based on two
considerations, the relative fullness of two glasses and the relative
distance between the two glasses and the bottle. Whole brain functional
magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure brain activity while
participants viewed probable and improbable pouring actions. Improbable actions
elicited increased activity in the theory of mind (ToM) network, commonly found
active when trying to grasp the intentions of others, whereas probable actions
elicited increased activity in the human mirror neuron system (hMNS) and areas
associated with mental imagery and memory. These data provide novel
insight into the brain mechanisms humans use to distinguish between high and
low-probability actions.