Brain Imaging Investigation of the Neural Correlates of Observing Virtual Social Interactions

The overall goal of the following experiment is to investigate the neural correlates of observing social interactions by using virtual characters interacting in social context in conjunction with FMRI recording, this is achieved by creating whole body animated characters that interact with each other as hosts and guests in a business-like setting and inanimate characters that serve as control conditions. Next brain imaging data are recorded while participants observe virtual social interactions and then data are analyzed in order to identify brain regions that are part of the so-called social cognition network. Typical brain regions sensitive to observing and assessing social interactions include the superior temporal sulcus, lateral and medial frontal cortex and the amygdala Because it allows investigation of the neuro correlates of social cognition.

This matter might contribute to understanding possible causes of deficits in social behavior, which are observed in such clinical condition as social phobia and autism. The main advantage of this technique over existing methods, such as those involving facial stimuli, is that by using whole body animated characters, it's possible to incorporate manipulations that more closely resemble real life social interactions such as formal physical touch and handshake. This is something that's not possible with just facial stimuli.