An Emerging Field of Primate Social Neurophysiology: Current Developments

eNeuro. 2017 Oct 4;4(5):ENEURO.0295-17.2017. doi: 10.1523/ENEURO.0295-17.2017. eCollection 2017 Sep-Oct.

Abstract

Recently, there has been increased interest in investigating neurophysiological mechanisms underlying social interactions using a nonhuman primate model system. Several studies in this subfield, known as primate social neurophysiology, have begun to provide novel insights into how single neurons encode socially-relevant variables. This opinion piece intends to provide insight into the state of this field. In doing so, it discusses some common principles learned from primate social neurophysiology experiments.

Keywords: agency; allocentric representation; egocentric representation; nonhuman primates; social neurophysiology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Primates / physiology*
  • Primates / psychology*
  • Self Concept
  • Social Behavior*
  • Social Perception*
  • Visual Perception / physiology