Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
06:53
Creating Virtual-hand and Virtual-face Illusions to Investigate Self-representation
Published on: March 1, 2017
First-person perspective effects on theory of mind without self-reference
Yuki Otsuka1, Naoyuki Osaka, Ken Yaoi
1Department of Psychology, Graduate School of Letters, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan. yotsuka@bun.kyoto-u.ac.jp
Plos One
|May 12, 2011
Summary
This study reveals distinct brain network activations for theory of mind and self-reference. The left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is key for theory of mind, while the caudate nucleus is involved in self-reference, both interacting with the right DLPFC.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Social Neuroscience
Background:
- Theory of Mind (ToM) is crucial for inferring others' mental states.
- The self-concept may form the developmental basis for ToM.
- Understanding the neural dissociations between ToM and self-reference is important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distinct brain network activations underlying Theory of Mind (ToM) and self-reference.
- To explore the relationship between brain regions associated with ToM and self-processing.
Main Methods:
- Event-related functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) was employed.
- Participants engaged in tasks involving first-person (1stPP) and third-person (3rdPP) perspective sentences.
- Correlations between brain region activations (caudate nucleus, left/right DLPFC) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The caudate nucleus showed marginal activation in the 1stPP (self-reference) condition compared to 3rdPP (ToM).
- The left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) was significantly more activated in the 3rdPP condition than the 1stPP condition.
- Significant correlations were found between the caudate nucleus and right DLPFC in the 1stPP condition, and between left and right DLPFC in the 3rdPP condition.
Conclusions:
- Theory of Mind and self-reference recruit overlapping regions, notably the right DLPFC.
- Distinct neural pathways are involved: ToM tasks access the right DLPFC via the left DLPFC, while self-reference tasks access it via the caudate nucleus.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
According to George Herbert Mead, as children progress beyond the game stage, they develop a more comprehensive understanding of societal rules and norms. This cognitive and social development enables them to internalize the expectations of the broader community, refining their ability to regulate behavior.Consistent participation in organized activities is crucial in helping children recognize that their actions are not isolated but contribute to a more significant, interconnected group effort.
01:29Introspection
Introspection, long upheld as a reliable route to self-knowledge, involves examining one's thoughts, emotions, and mental processes. It underpins many psychological practices, from mindfulness meditation to psychotherapy and self-help strategies. However, empirical evidence challenges the accuracy of introspection as a means of understanding oneself.Limitations of Introspective InsightSeminal work by Nisbett and Wilson demonstrated that individuals are frequently unaware of the true causes...
01:21Self-Awareness and Its Effects
Self-awareness is a psychological state in which the individual becomes the focal point of their attention. This inward focus transforms the self into an object of contemplation and assessment, influencing how individuals perceive their actions and their alignment with personal and societal standards.Triggers and Contexts for Self-AwarenessSelf-awareness can be activated by external stimuli that make individuals visually or audibly aware of themselves, such as mirrors, cameras, or recordings.
01:23Actor-Observer Effect
The actor-observer effect, a cognitive bias closely linked to the fundamental attribution error, refers to the tendency for individuals to attribute their behavior to external, situational factors while explaining others’ behavior in terms of internal, dispositional traits. This asymmetry in attribution significantly influences social perception and judgment.Cognitive Mechanisms Behind the EffectTwo primary psychological mechanisms contribute to the actor-observer effect: differences in visual...
01:28Understanding the Self
The self is a central aspect of human identity, encompassing an individual’s beliefs, emotions, perceptions, and experiences. It is a cognitive and psychological construct that enables individuals to interpret their traits and behaviors, influencing how they perceive themselves and interact with the world. While personality consists of stable and enduring characteristics, the self is shaped by self-perception and social experiences. This distinction highlights the dynamic nature of the self,...
01:20Understanding Self-Concept
The self-concept encompasses individuals' beliefs about themselves, structured through cognitive frameworks known as self-schemas. These schemas function as mental representations of specific traits or behaviors, influencing how self-relevant information is perceived, processed, and remembered. For example, individuals who are schematic for body weight are more likely to interpret routine experiences—such as dining out or shopping—through the lens of that trait. Conversely, those aschematic for...