Abstract
We investigate the theory that the left inferior parietal lobe (IPL) is closely associated with tracking potential differences of perspective. Developmental studies find that perspective tasks are mastered at around 4 years of age. Our first study, meta-analyses of brain imaging studies shows that perspective tasks specifically activate a region in the left IPL and precuneus. These tasks include processing of false belief, visual perspective, and episodic memory. We test the location specificity theory in our second study with an unusual and novel kind of perspective task: identity statements. According to Frege's classical logical analysis, identity statements require appreciation of modes of presentation (perspectives). We show that identity statements, e.g., “the tour guide is also the driver” activate the left IPL in contrast to a control statements, “the tour guide has an apprentice.” This activation overlaps with the activations found in the meta-analysis. This finding is confirmed in a third study with different types of statements and different comparisons. All studies support the theory that the left IPL has as one of its overarching functions the tracking of perspective differences. We discuss how this function relates to the bottom-up attention function proposed for the bilateral IPL.
Highlights
There is growing evidence that the dorsal part of the left temporo-parietal junction (TPJ), which overlaps with the left inferior parietal lobe (IPL), is reliably activated by perspective tasks (Goel et al, 1995; Ruby and Decety, 2003)
To check whether existing data support this view we extended an existing meta-analysis for false belief studies and visual perspective taking by Schurz et al (2013) by including episodic memory studies testing for rememberknow judgments
In order to control for this possibility we introduced two further variations of sentence S2 one involving belief revision without any identity information: S2: (+REVISION): “Today, the tour guide talks more than the driver.”
Summary
There is growing evidence that the dorsal part of the left temporo-parietal junction (TPJ), which overlaps with the left inferior parietal lobe (IPL), is reliably activated by perspective tasks (Goel et al, 1995; Ruby and Decety, 2003). Findings from cognitive development indicate that these tasks share a common cognitive basis. They are mastered around the age of 4 years. Existing evidence suggests regional specificity (Kanwisher, 2010) of different kinds of perspective tasks activating the left IPL2. In the first step we carry out a meta-analysis of existing data from three different kinds of perspective tasks to test the regional specificity hypothesis. Partial activation overlap of the different kinds of tasks within left IPL counts in favor of the hypothesis. In the second step we test the hypothesis further with the prediction that a novel and unusual perspective task, processing identity statements, should activate within the region identified by the meta-analysis. To carry through with this project we need to be more specific about what perspective tasks are and about the criteria that define the region of overlap, for which we adopt the overarching view proposed by Cabeza et al (2012)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
