The role of prefrontal cortex in a moral judgment task using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy

Abstract

BackgroundUnderstanding the neural basis of moral judgment (MJ) and human decision‐making has been the subject of numerous studies because of their impact on daily life activities and social norms. Here, we aimed to investigate the neural process of MJ using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), a noninvasive, portable, and affordable neuroimaging modality.MethodsWe examined prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation in 33 healthy participants engaging in MJ exercises. We hypothesized that participants presented with personal (emotionally salient) and impersonal (less emotional) dilemmas would exhibit different brain activation observable through fNIRS. We also investigated the effects of utilitarian and nonutilitarian responses to MJ scenarios on PFC activation. Utilitarian responses are those that favor the greatest good while nonutilitarian responses favor moral actions. Mixed effect models were applied to model the cerebral hemodynamic changes that occurred during MJ dilemmas.Results and conclusionsOur analysis found significant differences in PFC activation during personal versus impersonal dilemmas. Specifically, the left dorsolateral PFC was highly activated during impersonal MJ when a nonutilitarian decision was made. This is consistent with the majority of relevant fMRI studies, and demonstrates the feasibility of using fNIRS, with its portable and motion tolerant capacities, to investigate the neural basis of MJ dilemmas.

Global motion detection and censoring in high‐density diffuse optical tomography

“…While fMRI has become a gold standard for cognitive neuroimaging, it is contraindicated in subjects with metal implants and cannot be used in many clinical settings, and studies seeking more naturalistic imaging environments. In contrast, functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)‐based methods are portable, suitable for naturalistic imaging, and not contraindicated in subjects with electronic or metal implants (Dashtestani et al, 2018; Dashtestani et al, 2019; Farzam et al, 2017; Fishell et al, 2016; Fishell et al, 2020; Fishell, Burns‐Yocum, Bergonzi, Eggebrecht, & Culver, 2019; Franceschini & Boas, 2004; Khaksari et al, 2019; Liao et al, 2012; Lloyd‐Fox, Blasi, & Elwell, 2010; Morishita et al, 2016; Saliba, Bortfeld, Levitin, & Oghalai, 2016; Salsabilian et al, 2019; Salsabilian et al, 2020). Sparse fNIRS imaging arrays yield poor resolution and low image quality.…”

Neural and Kinematic Metrics of Handwriting in Neurotypical Adults

“…The sensor's layout resulted in 16 measurement locations (optodes) and a light penetration depth of approximately 1.2 cm [16], established by 10 light detectors and 4 light emitters that released light within the 730 -850 nm wavelength window and were separated by 2.5 cm. fNIRS is widely utilized in research labs to assess PFC activation during different motor and cognitive tasks such as Go/NoGo [41] or even moral judgment tasks [42].…”

Effects of Performance and Task Duration on Mental Workload during Working Memory Task

“…CobiStudio software was used to record the raw NIRS signals at the two wavelengths of 730 and 850 nm [41]. The NIRS headband with embedded sensors consisting of 4 sources and 8 detectors (16 channels) was positioned on the subject's forehead, with the center of the band placed approximately on the Fpz location (international 10-20 system) [42]. This position has been used several times in prior NIRS studies.…”