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The Cutting Edge of Social Brain Imaging
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:28:53
Abstract
This seminar introduces the fundamentals and latest research developments of brain imaging in real-world contexts. We explore topics from imaging multiple people’s brains simultaneously as they interact to neuro-ethics and neuro-art, while maintaining a strong focus on critical evaluation of research practices and applications of brain imaging of and during social interaction.
Objective
- To familiarize students with current concepts, theories, methods, and findings from social brain-imaging sciences - To develop a critical view of extant findings and the tools for evaluating the quality of evidence and data, as well as ethical implications
Content
Rapid advances in the technologies and empirical approaches used in imaging the human brain have opened exciting windows into how the human brain coordinates social interaction. These advances include imaging the brain’s function during real social interactions, training behaviours with feedback based on real-time brain activity, and even generating art directly from brain signals. With them, these advances have brought novel ethical implications regarding their implementation in research and potentially, their use by the public, for both therapeutic and possible “neurohacking” applications. In this seminar, students will be introduced to various neuroimaging approaches for social neuroscience generally, as well as to approaches for measuring social brain function in real life, and will gain insights into related ethical considerations. The seminar builds on the active participation of students in reading, presenting, and critically discussing selected papers in the field. In a final small-group assignment, students are required to integrate and elaborate upon topics covered in the seminar by presenting and debating a novel research proposal for addressing a timely research question related to the use of brain imaging in the context of social interactions. No prior experience or knowledge in brain imaging is required.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DS
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 45
- Signup End
- 16.10.2024
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar | The Cutting Edge of Social Brain Imaging |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
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Type B: Reflection About Subject-Specific Methods and Contents (Subject-specific courses. Particularly relevant for students interested in those subjects. All these courses are also listed under the category “Typ A”, and every student can enroll in these courses.)
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