400016 SE Introduction to Neuroscience Research for Social Scientists (2017W)

This workshop provides an introduction into neuroscience research (including sub-areas such as neuro marketing, neuropolitics, neurocinematics) for social scientists. A special focus will lie on functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). The workshop intertwines research on the uses and effects of mass communication with research in the cognitive neurosciences and provides examples of state-of-the-art neuroscience studies. The workshop does not require prior knowledge in the field of cognitive neuroscience. After the workshop, attendees will be able to
(1) identify interesting (and possible) research questions in fMRI based neuroscience research,
(2) understand the basics of fMRI methodology, and
(3) critically evaluate fMRI research with confidence.

Workshop Recommendations:
All recommended readings and materials will be posted on the workshop’s webpage (location: TBA). Recommended readings include:

Cacioppo et al., (2003). Just because you’re imaging the brain doesn’t mean you can stop using your head: A primer and set of first principles. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 85(4), 650661.
Cacioppo, J.T., & Cacioppo, S. (2013). Social neuroscience. Psychological Science, 8(5), 667-669.
Cappella, J. (1996). Why biological explanation? Journal of Communication, 46, 4-7.
Grossman, A.R., & Neary, D. (2005). Neuroanatomy. New York: Elsevier.
Huettel, S.A., Song, A.W., * McCarthy, G. (2014). Functional magnetic resonance imaging. Sunderland, MA: Sinauer.
Weber, R. (2015). Brain, mind, and media: Neuroscience meets media psychology. Journal of Media Psychology (Editorial), 27(3), 89-92.
Weber, R., Eden, A., Huskey, R., Mangus, J. M., & Falk, E. (2015). Bridging media psychology and cognitive neuroscience: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Media Psychology, 27(3), 146-156.
Weber, R., Sherry, J., & Mathiak, K. (2008). The neurophysiological perspective in mass communication research. Theoretical rationale, methods, and applications. In M. J. Beatty, J.
C. McCroskey & K. Floyd (Eds.), Biological dimensions of communication: Perspectives, methods, and research (pp. 41-71). Cresskill, NJ: Hampton Press.

Html Resources:
Does Size Matter - For Brains? https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/does-size-matter-for-brains/

Fantastic Video Series on fMRI! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aRKAXD4dAg

Themes

The workshop is organized into three themes. The workshop’s organizers may be scheduling an optional visit at the local brain imaging facilities. Day and time of this optional visit will be announced later.

1. Introduction
1.1. The Neurophysiological Perspective (NPP) in Mass Communication Research
1.2. Why is there resistance to the NPP? Epistemological foundation and criticism
1.3. Good and bad media neuroscience research
1.4. Study examples
2. The Basics
2.1. Brain anatomy and brain function
2.2. functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
3. fMRI
3.1. :The principle of nuclear magnetic resonance
3.2. The BOLD effect
3.3. Typical organization of scan facilities
3.4. fMRI research designs and levels of analysis
3.5. Optional: Visit at the local University’s brain imaging facilities