Abstract
Research demonstrates that social preferences are characterized by significant individual differences. An important question, often overlooked, is from where do these individual differences originate? And what are the processes that underlie such differences? In this paper, we outline the neural trait approach to uncovering sources of individual differences in social preferences, particularly as evidenced in economic games. We focus on two primary methods—resting-state electroencephalography and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—used by researchers to quantify task-independent, brain-based characteristics that are stable over time. We review research that has employed these methods to investigate social preferences with an emphasis on a key psychological process in social decision-making; namely, self-control. We then highlight future opportunities for the neural trait approach in cutting-edge decision-making research. Finally, we explore the debate about self-control in social decision-making and the potential role neural trait research could play in this issue.
Highlights
People display a rich variety of heterogeneity in social preferences
There are key questions to answer. From where do these striking differences in social preferences originate? And once these sources are revealed, what can be inferred about the psychological processes that lead to such individual differences?
We wish to mention that research demonstrating the neural and psychological mechanisms that underlie the links between neural traits and social decision-making behaviors is in incipient stages
Summary
A neural trait approach to exploring individual differences in social preferences. Division of Social Psychology and Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland. Reviewed by: Christian Ruff, University of Zurich, Switzerland Yutaka Horita, National Institute of Informatics, Japan. Research demonstrates that social preferences are characterized by significant individual differences. We outline the neural trait approach to uncovering sources of individual differences in social preferences, as evidenced in economic games. We review research that has employed these methods to investigate social preferences with an emphasis on a key psychological process in social decision-making; namely, self-control. We highlight future opportunities for the neural trait approach in cutting-edge decision-making research. We explore the debate about self-control in social decision-making and the potential role neural trait research could play in this issue
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