The neural correlates of theory of mind and their role during empathy and the game of chess: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study.

摘要: Chess involves the capacity to reason iteratively about potential intentional choices of an opponent and therefore high levels explicit theory mind [ToM] (i.e. ability infer mental states others) alongside clear, strategic rule-based decision-making. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used on 12 healthy male novice chess players identify cortical regions associated with chess, ToM empathizing. The blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) response for empathizing tasks extracted from each region. Results showed neural overlap between ToM, in right-hemisphere temporo-parietal junction (TPJ) [BA40], left-hemisphere superior temporal gyrus [BA22] posterior cingulate [BA23/31]. TPJ is suggested underlie another's internal state a range tasks. Areas activated by empathy included orbitofrontal cortex bilateral middle gyrus: areas that become active when there need inhibit one's own experience considering another visual evaluation action rationality. support previous findings, recruits network region sub-serving supporting role depending nature task itself. In contrast, primarily located within right- medial-frontal parietal cortex, outside representational network, selectively recruited during task. We hypothesize our cohort strategy employ iterative thinking pattern which part involved mentalizing processes core ToM-related regions.