Introspective Minds: Using ALE Meta-Analyses to Study Commonalities in the Neural Correlates of Emotional Processing, Social & Unconstrained Cognition

Abstract

Previous research suggests overlap between brain regions that show task-induced deactivations and those activated during the performance of social-cognitive tasks. Here, we present results of quantitative meta-analyses of neuroimaging studies, which confirm a statistical convergence in the neural correlates of social and resting state cognition. Based on the idea that both social and unconstrained cognition might be characterized by introspective processes, which are also thought to be highly relevant for emotional experiences, a third meta-analysis was performed investigating studies on emotional processing. By using conjunction analyses across all three sets of studies, we can demonstrate significant overlap of task-related signal change in dorso-medial prefrontal and medial parietal cortex, brain regions that have, indeed, recently been linked to introspective abilities. Our findings, therefore, provide evidence for the existence of a core neural network, which shows task-related signal change during socio-emotional tasks and during resting states.

The Default Mode of Human Brain Function Primes the Intentional Stance

“…Consistent with published meta-analyses (Schilbach et al, 2012;Spreng et al, 2009), this revealed common functional responses in the dmPFC and ventromedial PFC, the TPJ bilaterally, the anterior STS, and the precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex ( Table 2). The medial and transverse slices in Figure 1B show widespread, distributed correspondence between these two ostensibly unrelated contrasts.…”

“…Here, we consider a function of the DMN that is suggested by a second fact about the human brain: The anatomical boundaries of the DMN largely correspond with the neuroanatomy associated with adopting the intentional stance (Mars et al, 2012;Schilbach et al, 2012;Spreng, Mar, & Kim, 2009;Schilbach, Eickhoff, Rotarska-Jagiela, Fink, & Vogeley, 2008). Importantly, this anatomical coincidence does not permit the conclusion that spontaneous DMN at rest is functionally relevant for adopting the intentional stance in response to social stimuli.…”

Interindividual differences in cognitive flexibility: Influence of gray-matter volume, functional connectivity and trait impulsivity

“…For example, it might have an impact on default mode function, given the relevance of socio-affective processes within this network (Schilbach et al 2012). Thus, high-impulsive individuals might have a lesser tendency to remain in the default mode state than low impulsive.…”

What is culture? Culture is context-dependence!

“…Rather than actually experiencing the own mental states in first-person perspective, the second-person perspective makes possible to reflect and introspect about the own mental states. That is for instance the case when we ask ourselves whether it is really true that I heard the voice from another person speaking out there in the environment (see also Schilbach et al 2013).…”

“…Various studies have been conducted to investigate different kinds of interaction between different selves. Pfeifer et al (2013) and Schilbach et al (2013) distinguish two different methodological approaches. One can investigate social cognition, the cognition of other people's mind, from the outside and thus from an observer's point of view.…”