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Social Neuroscience

Study Course Description

Course Description Statuss:Approved
Course Description Version:19.00
Study Course Accepted:05.02.2024 12:07:09
Study Course Information
Course Code:VPUPK_238LQF level:Level 7
Credit Points:2.00ECTS:3.00
Branch of Science:Psychology; Social PsychologyTarget Audience:Psychology
Study Course Supervisor
Course Supervisor:Kristīne Šneidere
Study Course Implementer
Structural Unit:Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy
The Head of Structural Unit:
Contacts:Riga, 5 J. Asara Street, vppkatrsu[pnkts]lv, +37167061587
Study Course Planning
Full-Time - Semester No.1
Lectures (count)8Lecture Length (academic hours)2Total Contact Hours of Lectures16
Classes (count)4Class Length (academic hours)2Total Contact Hours of Classes8
Total Contact Hours24
Study course description
Preliminary Knowledge:
Anatomy, biological basis of the psyche, neuropsychology, social psychology, applied psychology.
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.
Topic Layout (Full-Time)
No.TopicType of ImplementationNumberVenue
1Neuroscience and its development. Introduction, history and applied methods in social neuroscience.Lectures1.00E-Studies platform
2Structure of central nervous system. Developmental neuroscience.Lectures1.00E-Studies platform
3Relationships and interpersonal communication. Social attraction and isolation. "Self" perception. Social pain.Lectures2.00E-Studies platform
4Brain theory. Perception of self and others. Social brain.Lectures1.00E-Studies platform
5Neurobiology of emotions. Neurobiological origins of emotions. Self-regulation.Lectures1.00E-Studies platform
6Social neuroscience –research and practiceLectures2.00auditorium
Classes4.00auditorium
Assessment
Unaided Work:
1. Revision of lecture material independently, reading sources and preparing for the interim test. 2. Passing the tests after video lectures. 3. Analysis of a social situation. 4. Preparing questions for group discussion, based on lecture materials and material read from compulsory literature . 5. Completing the course feedback questionnaire.
Assessment Criteria:
1. Preparation of the discussion questions, based on a presentation in Health and Personality Development: Interdisciplinary Approach (15%). 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. Test on fundamentals of social neuroscience (35%). Please note that the test will take place only in Zoom/on site and the use of study materials and/or artificial intelligence tools is strictly forbidden and will be considered a breach of academic integrity. 3. Analysis of a social situation - written and presentation (50%): 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. According to the RSU Study Reglament I, attendance at all seminaries is compulsory.
Final Examination (Full-Time):Exam
Final Examination (Part-Time):
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge:Students describe the subject of neuroscience and its development trends, define and characterise the sub-sector of social neuroscience, using appropriate terminology, recognise the EEG record and identify different brain rhythms.
Skills:Students analyse the differences between different neuroscience fields, explain neurobiological origins of emotions and empathy. Students analyse the latest research in social neuroscience, the methods used in research, and are able to critically evaluate their application according to the client/patient's illness and disability. Students interpret the obtained EEG results and event-related cognitive potentials.
Competencies:Students apply the acquired knowledge and skills for the analysis and presentation of social neuroscience research. The knowledge acquired in social neuroscience and EEG use is applied in learning situations.
Bibliography
No.Reference
Required Reading
1Cacioppo, S., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2020). Introduction to social neuroscience. Princeton University Press.
2Harmon-Jones, E., & Inzlicht, M. (Eds.). (2016). Social neuroscience: biological approaches to social psychology. Psychology Press.
3Kropotov, J. (2016). Functional Neuromarkers for Psychiatry. Academic Press.
Additional Reading
1Blair, R. J. R., & Lee, T. M. (2013). The social cognitive neuroscience of aggression, violence, and psychopathy. Social neuroscience, 8(2), 108-111.
2Eglīte, K. (2020). Anatomija. 2. daļa. LU apgāds.
3Ickes, 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.
4Keysers, C., & Fadiga, L. (2008). The mirror neuron system: new frontiers. Social Neuroscience, 3(3-4), 193-198.
5Müller-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
6Reuter-Lorenz, P. A., & Gazzaniga, M. S. (2010). The Cognitive Neuroscience of Mind:A Tribute to Michael S. Gazzaniga. Cambridge, Mass: A Bradford Book.
7Vogeley, 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.
8Zelazo, P. D., & Paus, T. (2010). Developmental social neuroscience: An introduction. Social neuroscience, 5(5-6), 417-421.
9Voita, D. (2015). Bioloģija un uzvedība. No Mārtinsone, K. un Miltuze, A. (red.). Psiholoģija 1. Pamatjautājumi – teorijas un pētījumi. 65 – 105, Rīga, Zvaigzne ABC.
10Ochsner, K. N., Kosslyn, S. M. (2014). The Oxford Handbook Of Cognitive Neuroscience. Volume 2: The Cutting Edges. Oxford University Press
Other Information Sources
1Frontiers In Human Neuroscience
2Social Neuroscience
3Social Cognitive & Affective Neuroscience
4J. Kropotov (18.04.2018). Functional biomarkers for psychiatry and neurology: defining brain dysfunctions and constructing protocols of neuromodulation. Key note speech.