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More than associations: an ideomotor perspective on mirror neurons
Marcel Brass1, Paul S Muhle-Karbe1
1Department of Experimental Psychology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium. marcel.brass@ugent.be paulsimon.muhlekarbe@ugent.be http://users.ugent.be/~mbrass/Web-Site/Dr._Marcel_Brass.html.
The Behavioral and Brain Sciences
|April 30, 2014
Summary
We propose extending mirror neuron research with ideomotor theory, which links actions to their sensory outcomes. This new perspective better explains complex empirical findings beyond simple association.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Motor Control
Background:
- Mirror neurons link action perception and execution.
- Current associative models face limitations in explaining certain empirical observations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose an extension of the associative approach of mirror neurons.
- Introduce ideomotor theory as a framework to clarify empirical observations.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical commentary and conceptual extension.
- Analysis of existing empirical data through the lens of ideomotor theory.
Main Results:
- Ideomotor theory provides a more comprehensive explanation for action control.
- Highlights the role of anticipatory sensory representations in action planning.
Conclusions:
- Extending mirror neuron theory with ideomotor principles offers enhanced explanatory power.
- This framework is crucial for understanding the link between perception, intention, and action.
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