Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 11, 2026
10:45
Brain Imaging Investigation of the Neural Correlates of Observing Virtual Social Interactions
Published on: July 6, 2011
12.3K
Computational substrates of social value in interpersonal collaboration
Dominic S Fareri1, Luke J Chang2, Mauricio R Delgado3
1Gordon F. Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, Adelphi University, Garden City, New York 11530.
Summary
People preferentially collaborate with friends, driven by a "social value" reward signal linked to relationship closeness. This brain signal, computed in specific reward circuits, guides collaborative decisions in repeated interactions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Social Psychology
- Computational Modeling
Background:
- Collaborative decisions involve risk but are crucial for relationship building.
- Understanding the neural mechanisms of social decision-making is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms of collaborative decision-making.
- To test a computational model of social value in predicting collaboration.
- To explore the neural correlates of social value computation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an iterated trust game with 26 participants.
- Compared investment behavior towards friends, confederates, and computers.
- Employed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure brain activity.
- Developed and tested a computational model of social value.
Main Results:
- Participants invested more frequently with friends than with non-friends, irrespective of reinforcement.
- The computational model successfully predicted this preferential collaboration.
- Increased activity in the ventral striatum and medial prefrontal cortex correlated with the social value signal.
- Neural activity significantly predicted model-derived reward parameters.
Conclusions:
- Social value computation, influenced by relationship closeness, drives collaborative behavior.
- The brain's reward circuitry, specifically the ventral striatum and mPFC, instantiates this social value computation.
- This study provides a mechanistic account of how social relationships influence economic decisions.
More Related Videos
07:53Group Synchronization During Collaborative Drawing Using Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Published on: August 5, 2022
2.6K
11:13The Social Dimension of Stress: Experimental Manipulations of Social Support and Social Identity in the Trier Social Stress Test
Published on: November 19, 2015
14.7K
Related Concept Videos
02:06Social Exchange Theory
41.0K
We have discussed why we form relationships, what attracts us to others, and different types of love. But what determines whether we are satisfied with and stay in a relationship? One theory that provides an explanation is social exchange theory. According to social exchange theory, we act as naïve economists in keeping a tally of the ratio of costs and benefits of forming and maintaining a relationship with others (Rusbult & Van Lange, 2003).
41.0K
01:26Social Exchange Theory
775
As formulated by John Thibaut and Harold Kelley, Social Exchange Theory explains human relationships as economic-like exchanges that maximize rewards and minimize costs. This theory suggests that individuals engage in relationships to gain benefits and reduce burdens, similar to economic transactions. It has been widely applied to various types of relationships, including romantic, professional, and social interactions.Rewards and Costs in RelationshipsRelationship rewards include emotional...
775
01:30Social Foundations of Self IV: Self in Digital Communication
273
Since the early 2000s, computer-mediated communication (CMC) has grown rapidly, playing a crucial role in self-development. A key distinction between CMC and real-life interactions is the lack of a physically present partner. This absence makes non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, and paralinguistic signals unavailable in CMC platforms like email, instant messaging, or social media. The lack of these cues can create ambiguity and complicate how feedback is interpreted.The...
273
02:12Relationship Formation
46.4K
What do you think is the single most influential factor in determining with whom you become friends and whom you form romantic relationships? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is simple: the people with whom you have the most contact. This most important factor is proximity. You are more likely to be friends with people you have regular contact with. For example, there are decades of research that shows that you are more likely to become friends with people who live in your dorm,...
46.4K
01:30Social Relationships and Well-Being
480
The significance of social relationships in psychological well-being is a well-established area of inquiry within social psychology. Research consistently demonstrates that the presence of meaningful, supportive relationships enhances emotional health, while the absence or deterioration of such connections can contribute to psychological distress. Relationships serve as a foundation for emotional support, identity, and social belonging, all of which are critical to an individual’s overall...
480
01:29Factors Influencing Attraction V: Social Skills
954
Social skills play a crucial role in shaping interpersonal interactions and enhancing individuals' ability to navigate various social environments successfully. These skills contribute to personal and professional success, influencing how others perceive and treat individuals. High social skills provide distinct advantages in numerous settings, including romantic relationships, politics, and legal proceedings. In courtroom settings, for instance, defendants who exhibit strong social skills are...
954