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Group Membership Modulates the Neural Circuitry Underlying Third Party Punishment

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Listed:
  • Rosalba Morese
  • Daniela Rabellino
  • Fabio Sambataro
  • Felice Perussia
  • Maria Consuelo Valentini
  • Bruno G Bara
  • Francesca M Bosco

Abstract

This research aims to explore the neural correlates involved in altruistic punishment, parochial altruism and anti-social punishment, using the Third-Party Punishment (TPP) game. In particular, this study considered these punishment behaviors in in-group vs. out-group game settings, to compare how people behave with members of their own national group and with members of another national group. The results showed that participants act altruistically to protect in-group members. This study indicates that norm violation in in-group (but not in out-group) settings results in increased activity in the medial prefrontal cortex and temporo-parietal junction, brain regions involved in the mentalizing network, as the third-party attempts to understand or justify in-group members’ behavior. Finally, exploratory analysis during anti-social punishment behavior showed brain activation recruitment of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, an area associated with altered regulation of emotions.

Suggested Citation

  • Rosalba Morese & Daniela Rabellino & Fabio Sambataro & Felice Perussia & Maria Consuelo Valentini & Bruno G Bara & Francesca M Bosco, 2016. "Group Membership Modulates the Neural Circuitry Underlying Third Party Punishment," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(11), pages 1-14, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0166357
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166357
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bradley D Mattan & Denise M Barth & Alexandra Thompson & Oriel FeldmanHall & Jasmin Cloutier & Jennifer T Kubota, 2020. "Punishing the privileged: Selfish offers from high-status allocators elicit greater punishment from third-party arbitrators," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(5), pages 1-20, May.

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