Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Introduction to Social Neuroscience
Course Code
VPUPK_417
Branch of Science
Psychology; Social Psychology
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Psychology
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Kristīne Šneidere
Structure Unit Manager
Kristīne Mārtinsone
Structural Unit
Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy
Contacts
Riga, 16 Dzirciema Street, vppk@rsu.lv, +37167061587
About Study Course
Objective
Develop knowledge of the basic principles of neuroscience and the perspective of development; introduce neuroscience from the perspective of cognitive, developmental, social, health and clinical psychology, as well as provide a comprehensive understanding of the subsector of social neuroscience.
Preliminary Knowledge
Psychobiology and Neuropsychology, Social Psychology, Introduction to Psychology Science.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.understand the basic principles of neuroscience and their development directions, explain the place of social neuroscience in the context of neuroscience and relative to cognitive, behavioural and affective neuroscience
Individual work and tests
Discussion • Knowledge test • Analysis of a social situation
2.is familiar with the main concepts of social neuroscience and their neurobiological basics
Individual work and tests
Knowledge test • Discussion • Analysis of a social situation
3.describes the brain networks of social functions and how they evolve over life
Individual work and tests
Analysis of a social situation • Knowledge test
4.understand social neuroscience research methods (EEG, fMRI, behavioural paradigms), their possibilities and limitations
Individual work and tests
Knowledge test • Discussion • Analysis of a social situation
5.describes changes in social processes in the context of different psychopathologies (e.g. autism spectrum disorder, antisocial personality, depression, social anxiety)
Individual work and tests
Knowledge test
Skills
1.analyse social situations based on concepts and terminology of social neuroscience
Individual work and tests
Analysis of a social situation
2.link behavioural manifestations to possible neurobiological mechanisms
Individual work and tests
Knowledge test • Analysis of a social situation
3.critical evaluation of social neuroscience research, methodology and validity of conclusions
Individual work and tests
Analysis of a social situation • Discussion
4.formulate research questions within the framework of social neuroscience
Individual work and tests
Discussion
5.structured presentation of analysis orally and in writing using terminology accepted in social neuroscience
Individual work and tests
Analysis of a social situation
Competences
1.able to integrate knowledge of brain function and social behaviour into an interdisciplinary context (psychology, healthcare, education, social work)
Individual work and tests
Knowledge test • Discussion • Analysis of a social situation
2.independently evaluate a social phenomenon from the perspective of social neuroscience based on scientific sources
Individual work and tests
Knowledge test • Discussion • Analysis of a social situation
3.reflecting on the application possibilities and ethical challenges of social neuroscience in practice
Individual work and tests
Analysis of a social situation
4.demonstrates academic thinking, precision in terminology and critical treatment of simplistic explanations of social neuroscience concepts
Individual work and tests
Analysis of a social situation • Knowledge test
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Independent work |
-
|
-
|
|
1) To independently strengthen the lecture material by reading sources and preparing for the knowledge examination work 2) completion of the course feedback survey. |
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Discussion |
15.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
1. Development of discussion issues based on one scientific paper in the field of social neuroscience. 8 - 10 points - a clear discussion topic on “Social Neuroscience” has been created, the terminology adopted in the sector has been used to create the issue. The question is based on scientific literature and/or lecture material. 4 - 7 points - a discussion topic on “Social Neurosciences” has been created, but the terminology adopted in the sector has not been used or has been used in part. The question is based on scientific literature and/or lecture material. 1 - 3 points – The discussion question has not been created or is partly created, but does not correspond to the terminology adopted in the sector. |
||
|
2.
Knowledge test |
35.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Test work on basic concepts of social neuroscience. The execution of the test work is intended only in person and the use of extras, including artificial intelligence tools, constitutes a breach of academic integrity! |
||
|
3.
Analysis of a social situation |
50.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Observe and describe one social situation. 1) To perform an analysis of the situation by selecting one specific concept of social neuroscience and identifying its neurobiological mechanisms, providing its definition, principal authors and evaluation methods. 2) Place the social situation described in one of the artificial intelligence tools (e.g. ChatGPT) and ask it to perform an analysis of the situation within the specific concept. 3) to perform a comparison of their observations and ChatGPT results, evaluating: precision of definition, characterised neurobiological mechanisms, authors and analysis provided. In addition, the AI tool and its questions (prompts) should be accurately specified. The work must be presented in a group (5 minutes) and submitted in written format (up to 3 A4 pp). 8 - 10 points - clear material based on scientific literature has been developed that describes the concept, provides its definition, the leading authors of neurobiological mechanisms, and describes evaluation methods. Latvian grammar and texting principles have been observed, the work has been uploaded in time. 4 - 7 balls - clear material has been developed, but it is based on popular scientific literature. The concept, its definition, neurobiological mechanisms, leading authors and evaluation methods are incomplete. Latvian grammar and texting principles have been observed or partially observed, the work has been uploaded in time. Industry-specific terminology has not been used or partially used. 1 - 3 points – the work does not include any part of the task, scientific terminology has not been used, scientific sources have not been used, as well as the principles of grammar and texting of the Latvian language have not been observed, or the work has not been submitted. |
||
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Object of neuroscience and perspective of development. Introduction, history and methods applied in social neuroscience.
Description
Neuroscience as a branch of interdisciplinary science, historical development of neuroscience and its related branches – cognitive, affective and social neuroscience. Students acquaint themselves with the history and development of social neuroscience, its theoretical foundations and place in modern psychology, as well as the basic methods by which social processes in the brain are studied. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Object of neuroscience and perspective of development. Introduction, history and methods applied in social neuroscience.
Description
Neuroscience as a branch of interdisciplinary science, historical development of neuroscience and its related branches – cognitive, affective and social neuroscience. Students acquaint themselves with the history and development of social neuroscience, its theoretical foundations and place in modern psychology, as well as the basic methods by which social processes in the brain are studied. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Theory of mind. The perception and thinking of others and ourselves. Social brain.
Description
Social brains and how they evolve. The perception of an individual’s self and the role of an individual in society. Social cogamenities. Empathy and theory of mind. Morality and dehumanisation. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Theory of mind. The perception and thinking of others and ourselves. Social brain.
Description
Social brains and how they evolve. The perception of an individual’s self and the role of an individual in society. Social cogamenities. Empathy and theory of mind. Morality and dehumanisation. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Relations and interpersonal communication.
Social attachment and isolation.
The perception of self. Social pain.
Description
Relationships and attachment, their neurobiological mechanisms, types of relationships. Love and types of love - neurobiological and genetic components. Sexuality in the context of social neuroscience - goals and mechanisms. Loneliness, isolation and social pain. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Relations and interpersonal communication.
Social attachment and isolation.
The perception of self. Social pain.
Description
Relationships and attachment, their neurobiological mechanisms, types of relationships. Love and types of love - neurobiological and genetic components. Sexuality in the context of social neuroscience - goals and mechanisms. Loneliness, isolation and social pain. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Neurobiology of emotions. Neurobiological origin of emotions. Self-regulation.
Description
Affective Neuroscience and key theories: McLean’s Triune brain theory, Lovheim’s emotion cube, differential emotion theory, distribution of analytic levels. Neurobiology of emotions. Ageing and emotion. Emotions and cognitive processes. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Pathology in Social Neuroscience
Description
Autism spectrum interference. An anti-social personality. Depression and social distancing. Social anxiety. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social Neuroscience - Research and practice
Description
1) “Aquarius discussion” - group work. Using the pre-prepared questions, students engage in a discussion by applying the so-called “aquarium discussion” method, within which only four people who change discuss at a time, and each discussion question is given a limited time - 5 minutes. 2) “Concept laboratory” - group work analysis of one concept of social neuroscience, providing a definition of the concept, neurobiological mechanisms, research method and research question, and marking a daily social episode where the concept manifests itself in life. A visual study report (“posters”) shall be prepared in the group and presented and expanded into a discussion (1 question per poster per group). 3) “Social situation analysis” students present the performed social situation analysis to the group. The analysis of the social situation has been carried out in accordance with the structure and criteria specified in the examination. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social Neuroscience - Research and practice
Description
1) “Aquarius discussion” - group work. Using the pre-prepared questions, students engage in a discussion by applying the so-called “aquarium discussion” method, within which only four people who change discuss at a time, and each discussion question is given a limited time - 5 minutes. 2) “Concept laboratory” - group work analysis of one concept of social neuroscience, providing a definition of the concept, neurobiological mechanisms, research method and research question, and marking a daily social episode where the concept manifests itself in life. A visual study report (“posters”) shall be prepared in the group and presented and expanded into a discussion (1 question per poster per group). 3) “Social situation analysis” students present the performed social situation analysis to the group. The analysis of the social situation has been carried out in accordance with the structure and criteria specified in the examination. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social Neuroscience - Research and practice
Description
1) “Aquarius discussion” - group work. Using the pre-prepared questions, students engage in a discussion by applying the so-called “aquarium discussion” method, within which only four people who change discuss at a time, and each discussion question is given a limited time - 5 minutes. 2) “Concept laboratory” - group work analysis of one concept of social neuroscience, providing a definition of the concept, neurobiological mechanisms, research method and research question, and marking a daily social episode where the concept manifests itself in life. A visual study report (“posters”) shall be prepared in the group and presented and expanded into a discussion (1 question per poster per group). 3) “Social situation analysis” students present the performed social situation analysis to the group. The analysis of the social situation has been carried out in accordance with the structure and criteria specified in the examination. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social Neuroscience - Research and practice
Description
1) “Aquarius discussion” - group work. Using the pre-prepared questions, students engage in a discussion by applying the so-called “aquarium discussion” method, within which only four people who change discuss at a time, and each discussion question is given a limited time - 5 minutes. 2) “Concept laboratory” - group work analysis of one concept of social neuroscience, providing a definition of the concept, neurobiological mechanisms, research method and research question, and marking a daily social episode where the concept manifests itself in life. A visual study report (“posters”) shall be prepared in the group and presented and expanded into a discussion (1 question per poster per group). 3) “Social situation analysis” students present the performed social situation analysis to the group. The analysis of the social situation has been carried out in accordance with the structure and criteria specified in the examination. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Pathology in Social Neuroscience
Description
Autism spectrum interference. An anti-social personality. Depression and social distancing. Social anxiety. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Pathology in Social Neuroscience
Description
Autism spectrum interference. An anti-social personality. Depression and social distancing. Social anxiety. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social Neuroscience - Research and practice
Description
1) “Aquarius discussion” - group work. Using the pre-prepared questions, students engage in a discussion by applying the so-called “aquarium discussion” method, within which only four people who change discuss at a time, and each discussion question is given a limited time - 5 minutes. 2) “Concept laboratory” - group work analysis of one concept of social neuroscience, providing a definition of the concept, neurobiological mechanisms, research method and research question, and marking a daily social episode where the concept manifests itself in life. A visual study report (“posters”) shall be prepared in the group and presented and expanded into a discussion (1 question per poster per group). 3) “Social situation analysis” students present the performed social situation analysis to the group. The analysis of the social situation has been carried out in accordance with the structure and criteria specified in the examination. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social Neuroscience - Research and practice
Description
1) “Aquarius discussion” - group work. Using the pre-prepared questions, students engage in a discussion by applying the so-called “aquarium discussion” method, within which only four people who change discuss at a time, and each discussion question is given a limited time - 5 minutes. 2) “Concept laboratory” - group work analysis of one concept of social neuroscience, providing a definition of the concept, neurobiological mechanisms, research method and research question, and marking a daily social episode where the concept manifests itself in life. A visual study report (“posters”) shall be prepared in the group and presented and expanded into a discussion (1 question per poster per group). 3) “Social situation analysis” students present the performed social situation analysis to the group. The analysis of the social situation has been carried out in accordance with the structure and criteria specified in the examination. |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
32 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
PART-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Object of neuroscience and perspective of development. Introduction, history and methods applied in social neuroscience.
Description
Neuroscience as a branch of interdisciplinary science, historical development of neuroscience and its related branches – cognitive, affective and social neuroscience. Students acquaint themselves with the history and development of social neuroscience, its theoretical foundations and place in modern psychology, as well as the basic methods by which social processes in the brain are studied. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Object of neuroscience and perspective of development. Introduction, history and methods applied in social neuroscience.
Description
Neuroscience as a branch of interdisciplinary science, historical development of neuroscience and its related branches – cognitive, affective and social neuroscience. Students acquaint themselves with the history and development of social neuroscience, its theoretical foundations and place in modern psychology, as well as the basic methods by which social processes in the brain are studied. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Theory of mind. The perception and thinking of others and ourselves. Social brain.
Description
Social brains and how they evolve. The perception of an individual’s self and the role of an individual in society. Social cogamenities. Empathy and theory of mind. Morality and dehumanisation. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Theory of mind. The perception and thinking of others and ourselves. Social brain.
Description
Social brains and how they evolve. The perception of an individual’s self and the role of an individual in society. Social cogamenities. Empathy and theory of mind. Morality and dehumanisation. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Relations and interpersonal communication.
Social attachment and isolation.
The perception of self. Social pain.
Description
Relationships and attachment, their neurobiological mechanisms, types of relationships. Love and types of love - neurobiological and genetic components. Sexuality in the context of social neuroscience - goals and mechanisms. Loneliness, isolation and social pain. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Relations and interpersonal communication.
Social attachment and isolation.
The perception of self. Social pain.
Description
Relationships and attachment, their neurobiological mechanisms, types of relationships. Love and types of love - neurobiological and genetic components. Sexuality in the context of social neuroscience - goals and mechanisms. Loneliness, isolation and social pain. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Neurobiology of emotions. Neurobiological origin of emotions. Self-regulation.
Description
Affective Neuroscience and key theories: McLean’s Triune brain theory, Lovheim’s emotion cube, differential emotion theory, distribution of analytic levels. Neurobiology of emotions. Ageing and emotion. Emotions and cognitive processes. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Pathology in Social Neuroscience
Description
Autism spectrum interference. An anti-social personality. Depression and social distancing. Social anxiety. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social Neuroscience - Research and practice
Description
1) “Aquarius discussion” - group work. Using the pre-prepared questions, students engage in a discussion by applying the so-called “aquarium discussion” method, within which only four people who change discuss at a time, and each discussion question is given a limited time - 5 minutes. 2) “Concept laboratory” - group work analysis of one concept of social neuroscience, providing a definition of the concept, neurobiological mechanisms, research method and research question, and marking a daily social episode where the concept manifests itself in life. A visual study report (“posters”) shall be prepared in the group and presented and expanded into a discussion (1 question per poster per group). 3) “Social situation analysis” students present the performed social situation analysis to the group. The analysis of the social situation has been carried out in accordance with the structure and criteria specified in the examination. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Pathology in Social Neuroscience
Description
Autism spectrum interference. An anti-social personality. Depression and social distancing. Social anxiety. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social Neuroscience - Research and practice
Description
1) “Aquarius discussion” - group work. Using the pre-prepared questions, students engage in a discussion by applying the so-called “aquarium discussion” method, within which only four people who change discuss at a time, and each discussion question is given a limited time - 5 minutes. 2) “Concept laboratory” - group work analysis of one concept of social neuroscience, providing a definition of the concept, neurobiological mechanisms, research method and research question, and marking a daily social episode where the concept manifests itself in life. A visual study report (“posters”) shall be prepared in the group and presented and expanded into a discussion (1 question per poster per group). 3) “Social situation analysis” students present the performed social situation analysis to the group. The analysis of the social situation has been carried out in accordance with the structure and criteria specified in the examination. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
Online
|
2
|
Topics
|
Pathology in Social Neuroscience
Description
Autism spectrum interference. An anti-social personality. Depression and social distancing. Social anxiety. |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
24 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Boggio, P. S., Wingenbach, T. S., da Silveira Coêlho, M. L., Comfort, W. E., Murrins Marques, L., & Alves, M. V. C. (2023). Social and affective neuroscience of everyday human interaction: From theory to methodology.
2.
Cacioppo, S., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2020). Introduction to social neuroscience. Princeton University Press.
Additional Reading
1.
Cacioppo, J. T., Berntson, G. G., & Decety, J. (2010). Social neuroscience and its relationship to social psychology. Social cognition, 28(6), 675-685.
2.
Decety, J., & Cowell, J. M. (2016). Developmental social neuroscience. In D. Cicchetti (Ed.), Developmental psychopathology: Developmental neuroscience, pp. 766–786.
3.
Rizzolatti, G., & Craighero, L. (2004). The mirror-neuron system. Annu. Rev. Neurosci., 27(1), 169-192.
4.
Duerden, E. G., Neufeld, J., & Crafa, D. (2025). Social perception and cognition in autism. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 38660.