Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Social Neuroscience
Course Code
VPUPK_238
Branch of Science
Psychology; Social Psychology
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Biology; Business Management; Civil and Military Defense; Clinical Pharmacy; Communication Science; Dentistry; Digital Health; Health Management; Information and Communication Science; Juridical Science; Law; Life Science; Management Science; Marketing and Advertising; Medical Services; Medical Technologies; Medicine; Midwifery; Nursing Science; Pedagogy; Person and Property Defence; Pharmacy; Political Science; Psychology; Public Health; Rehabilitation; Social Anthropology; Social Welfare and Social Work; Sociology; Sports Science; Sports Trainer
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-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
To develop knowledge of basic principles of neuroscience and its perspective of development; to acquaint with neuroscience from the cognitive, developmental, social, health and clinical psychology's point of view, as well as to provide a comprehensive understanding of social neuroscience.
Preliminary Knowledge
Anatomy, neuropsychology, social psychology, applied psychology.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.conceptualize the place of social neuroscience in the psychology and neuroscience system by comparing it with cognitive, behavioral and affective neuroscience;
Individual work and tests
Examination • Knowledge assessment • Analysis of social situation
2.describe and classify the main theoretical directions, concepts and neurobiological bases of social neuroscience
Individual work and tests
Analysis of social situation • Knowledge assessment
3.describes the brain networks of social functions and how they evolve over life
Individual work and tests
Knowledge assessment
4.recognises and is able to name social neuroscience research methods (EEG, fMRI, behavioural paradigms), their capabilities and limitations
Individual work and tests
Knowledge assessment
5.to describe 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 assessment
Skills
1.analyse social situations based on concepts and terminology of social neuroscience and distinguish between essential elements and their relationships
Individual work and tests
Analysis of social situation
2.link behavioural manifestations to possible neurobiological mechanisms
Individual work and tests
Analysis of social situation
3.use social neuroscience research, methodology and validity of conclusions to explain certain aspects of social behaviour
Individual work and tests
Analysis of social situation • Examination
4.formulate research questions within the framework of social neuroscience
Individual work and tests
Examination • Analysis of social situation
5.structured presentation of analysis orally and in writing using terminology accepted in social neuroscience
Individual work and tests
Analysis of 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
Analysis of social situation
2.independently evaluate a social phenomenon from the perspective of social neuroscience based on scientific sources
Individual work and tests
Analysis of social situation • Examination
3.reflecting on the application possibilities and ethical challenges of social neuroscience in practice
Individual work and tests
Analysis of 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 social situation • Examination
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Individual work |
-
|
-
|
|
1) To self-secure the lecture material by reading sources and preparing for intermediate - test work. 2) Completion of the course feedback survey. |
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Examination
|
Title
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% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Examination |
15.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
1. Preparation of the discussion questions, based on one scientific article in the area of social neuroscience. 8 - 10 points – a clear discussion question on the topic "Social neuroscience" has been created, the terminology accepted in the field has been used in the development of the question. The question is formulated based on scientific literature and/or lecture material. 4 - 7 points – a discussion question has been created on the topic "Social neuroscience", but the terminology accepted in the field has not been used in the development of the question, or it has been used partially. The question is formulated based on scientific literature and/or lecture material. 1 - 3 points – the discussion question is not created or is created partially, but does not correspond to the terminology accepted in the field. |
||
|
2.
Knowledge assessment |
35.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Test will cover the fundamentals of social neuroscience . Test will be conducted only onsite and any use of additional learning materials, including artificial intelligence tools, will be considered a violation of academic integrity |
||
|
3.
Analysis of social situation |
50.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Observe and describe one social situation. 1) To analyze the situation by choosing one specific social neuroscience concept and identifying its neurobiological mechanisms, giving its definition, main authors, assessment methods. 2) Insert the described social situation into one of the artificial intelligence tools (for example, ChatGPT) and ask it to analyze the situation within the framework of the specific concept. 3) make a comparison of your observations and the results of ChatGPT, evaluating: the accuracy of the definition, the characterized neurobiological mechanisms, the authors and the analysis provided. In addition, the artificial intelligence tool and the questions asked to it (prompts) must be specified. The paper must be presented (5 minutes), as well as submitted in written form (up to 3 A4 pages). 8 - 10 points - a clear material, based on scientific literature, characterising the concept, defining it and the neurobiological mechanisms, leading authors and assessment methods is prepared. Principles of grammar and text creation have been observed, the material is uploaded on time. 4 - 7 points - a clear material jas been prepared that includes characterising the concept, defining it and the neurobiological mechanisms, leading authors and assessment method, but it is incomplete and based on popular science sources. The fundamentals of grammar and text creation have been observed or partially observed and the material is uploaded on time. The terminology of the field is not used properly or not used at all. 1 - 3 points - work is missing part of the sections, the proper terminology of the field is not used, scientific sources are not used, as well as grammar and text creation rules are not observed, or the material is not submitted. |
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Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Auditorium
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2
|
Topics
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Neuroscience and its development.
Introduction, history and applied methods 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. |
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Neuroscience and its development.
Introduction, history and applied methods 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. |
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Brain theory. Perception of self and others. 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. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Brain theory. Perception of self and others. 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. |
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
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Relationships and interpersonal communication.
Social attraction and isolation.
"Self" perception. 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. |
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Relationships and interpersonal communication.
Social attraction and isolation.
"Self" perception. 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. |
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Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
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Neurobiology of emotions. Neurobiological origins of emotions. Self-regulation.
Description
Affective Neuroscience and key theories: Maclin’s Trego brain theory, Lovheim’s emotion Cube, differential emotion theory, distribution of Analitic levels. Neurobiology of emotions. Ageing and emotion. Emotions and cognitive processes. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
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Pathology in social neuroscience
Description
Autism spectrum conditions. Antisocial personality disorder. Depression and social withdrawal. Social anxiety. |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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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. |
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Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
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
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Pathology in social neuroscience
Description
Autism spectrum conditions. Antisocial personality disorder. Depression and social withdrawal. Social anxiety. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
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:
24 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Cacioppo, S., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2020). Introduction to social neuroscience. Princeton University Press.
2.
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.
3.
Oesch, N. (2024). Social brain perspectives on the social and evolutionary neuroscience of human language. Brain Sciences, 14(2), 166.
4.
Beard, S. J., Yoon, L., Venticinque, J. S., Shepherd, N. E., & Guyer, A. E. (2022). The brain in social context: A systematic review of substance use and social processing from adolescence to young adulthood. Developmental cognitive neuroscience, 57, 101147.
Additional Reading
1.
Blair, R. J. R., & Lee, T. M. (2013). The social cognitive neuroscience of aggression, violence, and psychopathy. Social neuroscience, 8(2), 108-111.
2.
Ickes, W. J., & Decety, J. (2009). The Social Neuroscience of Empathy. Cambridge, Mass: The MIT Press.Littrell J. (2015). Neuroscience for Psychologists and Other Mental Health Professionals: Promoting Well-Being and Treating Mental Illness. Springer Publishing Company, LLC.
3.
Keysers, C., & Fadiga, L. (2008). The mirror neuron system: new frontiers. Social Neuroscience, 3(3-4), 193-198.
4.
Müller-Pinzler, L., Krach, S., Krämer, U. M., & Paulus, F. M. (2016). The social neuroscience of interpersonal emotions. Behavioral Neuroscience doi: 10.1007/7854_2016_437
5.
Reuter-Lorenz, P. A., & Gazzaniga, M. S. (2010). The Cognitive Neuroscience of Mind:A Tribute to Michael S. Gazzaniga. Cambridge, Mass: A Bradford Book.
6.
Vogeley, K., Bussfeld, P., Newen, A., Herrmann, S., Happé, F., Falkai, P., ... & Zilles, K. (2001). Mind reading: neural mechanisms of theory of mind and self-perspective. Neuroimage, 14(1), 170-181.
7.
Zelazo, P. D., & Paus, T. (2010). Developmental social neuroscience: An introduction. Social neuroscience, 5(5-6), 417-421.
8.
Ochsner, K. N., Kosslyn, S. M. (2014). The Oxford Handbook Of Cognitive Neuroscience. Volume 2: The Cutting Edges. Oxford University Press
Other Information Sources
1.
Frontiers In Human Neuroscience
2.
Social Neuroscience
3.
Social Cognitive & Affective Neuroscience