Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 12, 2026

Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses
Published on: September 28, 2018
Group Membership Modulates the Neural Circuitry Underlying Third Party Punishment
Rosalba Morese1,2, Daniela Rabellino3, Fabio Sambataro4
1Department of Psychology, Center for Cognitive Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Abstract:
This research aims to explore the neural correlates involved in altruistic punishment, parochial altruism and anti-social punishment, using the Third-Party Punishment (TPP) game. In particular, this study considered these punishment behaviors in in-group vs. out-group game settings, to compare how people behave with members of their own national group and with members of another national group. The results showed that participants act altruistically to protect in-group members. This study indicates that norm violation in in-group (but not in out-group) settings results in increased activity in the medial prefrontal cortex and temporo-parietal junction, brain regions involved in the mentalizing network, as the third-party attempts to understand or justify in-group members' behavior. Finally, exploratory analysis during anti-social punishment behavior showed brain activation recruitment of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, an area associated with altered regulation of emotions.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Punishment
Punishment can be positive or negative. Positive punishment involves adding an undesirable stimulus, such as scolding, to decrease a behavior. Negative punishment involves removing a desirable stimulus, such as taking away a favorite toy, to decrease behavior....
Causes of Social Behavior III: Biological and Environmental Influences
The Stanford Prison Experiment
Milgram's Obedience to Authority
Group Polarization
Causes of Social Behavior II: Cognitive Processes

