Mirror neurons are believed to be involved in a wide range of social and cognitive processes. Prasad Amore is a qualified and experienced Psychologist with extensive experience in different settings, age ranges, and populations. He is a licensed mental health practitioner who provides his services as the Managing Director of Softmind Wellness Pvt. Ltd. in Kerala. www.prasadamore.com

1. Mirror Neurons - A Key
to Understanding Social
Behaviour and
Cognition
Prasad Amore
RCI Licensed Mental Health
Professional/Author of 8 books/Managing
Director at Softmind Wellness Pvt Ltd
Kochi, Kerala

2. 1 | P a g e
Mirror neurons, a type of brain cells, were initially detected in macaque
monkeys during the 1990s by the Italian neuroscientist, Giacomo Rizzolatti and
his research team. These unique neurons don't only spark activity when the
primate performs a particular action, but they also exhibit activity when the
primate observes another individual undertaking the same action.
The discovery of mirror neurons, which has been further expanded to humans,
has triggered a lot of interest and controversy in the fields of psychology and
neuroscience. In psychology, mirror neurons are regarded as a fundamental
aspect as they seem to have a pivotal role in social cognition, including the traits
of empathy, imitation, and observational learning. Moreover, mirror neurons
could also be involved in activities such as language acquisition, motor skill
learning, and even the perception of aesthetic pleasure.
As a result, understanding mirror neurons could offer valuable insights into a
broad range of psychological phenomena. These phenomena range from how
we learn and communicate to how we empathize with others and appreciate
beauty.
Despite their potential importance, the existence and function of mirror neurons
remain subject to ongoing debate among researchers. Some researchers argue
that the phenomenon is overemphasized and that mirror neurons may have
more restricted or context-specific effects than previously believed. Other

3. 2 | P a g e
researchers suggest that mirror neurons may constitute just one piece of a more
extensive puzzle in social cognition, and that further research is required to fully
comprehend their role. Nonetheless, the investigation of mirror neurons
continues to represent an area of exciting inquiry in both psychology and
neuroscience.
What are mirror neurons?
Mirror neurons are a fascinating subset of brain cells that inhabit the premotor
and parietal cortices of the human brain. First discovered in macaque monkeys
and later observed in humans, mirror neurons represent a unique type of brain
cell that exhibits a remarkable function.
What makes these cells so interesting is their ability to activate not just when an
individual performs an action, but also when they witness another person
performing that same action. This action observation-response mechanism
allows for the observed action to be "mirrored" in the observer's brain, thereby
enabling them to simulate the observed action in their own motor system.
It is widely believed that mirror neurons play a pivotal role in a broad range of
psychological phenomena, including empathy, imitation, and observational
learning. Essentially, when a person observes another person performing an
action, their mirror neurons fire in such a way as to allow them to comprehend
the other person's intentions, emotions, and goals. This leads to feelings of
empathy and a sense of social connectedness.
Empathy has been the subject of intensive research in connection to mirror
neurons. Studies indicate that individuals who exhibit stronger mirror neuron
activation when observing emotional expressions also tend to score higher on
empathy measures. Additionally, some studies suggest that reduced mirror
neuron activity may be linked to social and communication deficits in certain
conditions such as autism spectrum disorder.
Despite extensive research, the exact mechanisms underlying how mirror
neurons work remain the subject of ongoing investigation. Some researchers
suggest that mirror neurons are part of a "direct matching" process, whereby
the observation of an action automatically triggers the corresponding motor
program in the observer's brain. Others suggest that mirror neurons may be part
of a more complex system of social cognition, involving not only motor
simulation but also mentalizing (i.e., the ability to attribute mental states to
others).

4. 3 | P a g e
Mirror neurons and social learning
Mirror neurons have been found to play an exceedingly complex and intricate
role in social learning, particularly in the process of observational learning, which
involves individuals acquiring new behaviours or skills through observation.
These neurons have the capacity to simulate observed actions in an individual's
motor system, which facilitates their ability to learn and master new skills.
One fascinating example of mirror neurons in action is the well-known
phenomenon of contagious yawning, which has been the subject of extensive
research. Studies have demonstrated that when we observe someone else
yawning, our mirror neurons fire in response, leading us to yawn as well. This
suggests that mirror neurons may be involved in a broad range of social
behaviours and emotions that are contagious or "catchy" in nature,
underscoring their critical role in social learning and behaviour.
The implications of mirror neuron research for education and therapy are both
vast and profound. For instance, video-based demonstrations in the classroom
have been shown to be a highly effective way of enhancing student learning by
enabling them to observe and simulate the actions of expert models.
Additionally, mirror neuron research may have significant implications for the
treatment of motor disorders and injuries, as interventions involving motor
simulation have been suggested to be particularly effective in promoting
recovery and rehabilitation.
Another area where mirror neuron research may prove relevant is in the
treatment of social and emotional disorders. Individuals with autism spectrum
disorder (ASD), for example, have been found to exhibit reduced mirror neuron
activity, which may contribute to their difficulties with social interaction and
communication. Consequently, some researchers have proposed that
interventions focused on enhancing mirror neuron activity may be beneficial for
individuals with ASD, as they may promote social and emotional understanding.
It is important to note, however, that the role of mirror neurons in social
learning and behaviour is still the subject of active research and debate. Some
researchers have suggested that the contribution of mirror neurons to social
behaviour may be more limited or context-specific than previously thought, and
that other factors may play a larger role in social cognition. Hence, further
research is necessary to fully comprehend the mechanisms underlying how
mirror neurons operate and their role in social cognition.

5. 4 | P a g e
Controversies and limitations of mirror neuron research
Mirror neuron research has sparked immense interest and fervour in the field
of neuroscience, yet it is not without its share of debates and criticisms. The
complex and nuanced nature of mirror neurons has led to a number of
controversies and limitations in this area of study, which include:
Debates concerning the existence and function of mirror neurons: While mirror
neurons have been detected in various species, including humans, there
remains a contentious debate over whether these cells constitute a distinct class
of neurons with a unique function. Some scholars posit that the observed
activity of mirror neurons may be better explained by other mechanisms, such
as attentional or associative processes.
Criticisms of mirror neuron studies: Critiques have been raised regarding the
methodology employed in mirror neuron studies. For instance, some
investigations may be susceptible to sampling bias or may rely on indirect
measures of mirror neuron activity that are not specific to this cell type.
Additionally, some studies may overstate the significance or generalizability of
their findings.
Alternative explanations for observed phenomena: Other researchers have
proposed alternative explanations for the phenomena attributed to mirror
neurons. Certain studies have suggested that the activation of mirror neurons
during observation may reflect a broader process of motor simulation that is not
exclusive to the observed action.
It is crucial to note that these debates and criticisms do not necessarily negate
the concept of mirror neurons or the findings of mirror neuron research.
Nevertheless, they underscore the need for cautious and sceptical
interpretation of these findings and the importance of continued research to
clarify the nature and function of mirror neurons.
Looking to the future, forthcoming inquiries into mirror neurons may
concentrate on scrutinizing the precise mechanisms that underlie their function,
in addition to their involvement in an assortment of disparate social and
cognitive processes. Such research may wield momentous implications for the
amelioration of motor and social disorders, as well as for education and training.