Exploring Cooperative Behavior and Social Roles in the Brain
At the University of Konstanz, researchers are examining how strangers work together to play Pacman in a scientific experiment. This study aims to understand the brain processes underlying cooperative behavior which is a big challenge for cognitive neuroscience. The goal is to create a natural environment in the EEG lab to study cooperative behavior without making it artificial or boring for participants.
Pacman as a Scientific Tool
The research team, led by Professor Harald Schupp, chose Pacman as a tool for studying cooperative behavior in the EEG lab. By creating an adapted version of Pacman, where two players must work together and one player has limited information, the team is able to study how cooperative behavior is affected.
Measuring Brain Reactions
Using EEG, the players’ brain reactions were measured during the game. The team found that the brain reacts differently based on the game roles and the information available. This study provides insights into how the brain processes the roles we take on during cooperation.
Significance of the Study
The results of this study provide valuable insights into how the brain structures cooperation and adopts different roles. Understanding this can help us comprehend how society operates and how individuals work together to achieve great things. This study sheds light on the innate ability of our brains to engage in complex cooperation.