The role of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in moral decision-making is well established. However,... more The role of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in moral decision-making is well established. However, OFC activity is highly context dependent. It is affected by the extent to which choices are morally justified and whom they concern. In the current study, we specifically focus on contextual factors and investigate the differential role of the OFC during justified and unjustified violence towards ingroup versus outgroup members. Muslims were chosen as the outgroup, as they are currently stereotypically seen as an outgroup and a potential threat by some Non-Muslims. Importantly, we also introduce a context where participants are the actual agents responsible for doing harm. During fMRI scanning, Non-Muslim participants had to decide to either shoot a Non-Muslim (i.e., ingroup member) or Muslim (outgroup member) depending on whether they believed the target was holding a gun or an object. Neuroimaging results showed increased activation in the lateral OFC (lOFC) in the three contrasts that were distressing: 1) during unjustifiable killing; 2) when being killed; and 3) when confronted by an outgroup member with a gun. Together, these results provide important insights into the neurocognitive mechanisms involved in intergroup violence and highlight the critical role of the lOFC in context dependent social decision-making.
The role of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in moral decision-making is well established. However,... more The role of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in moral decision-making is well established. However, OFC activity is highly context dependent. It is affected by the extent to which choices are morally justified and whom they concern. In the current study, we specifically focus on contextual factors and investigate the differential role of the OFC during justified and unjustified violence towards ingroup versus outgroup members. Muslims were chosen as the outgroup, as they are currently stereotypically seen as an outgroup and a potential threat by some Non-Muslims. Importantly, we also introduce a context where participants are the actual agents responsible for doing harm. During fMRI scanning, Non-Muslim participants had to decide to either shoot a Non-Muslim (i.e., ingroup member) or Muslim (outgroup member) depending on whether they believed the target was holding a gun or an object. Neuroimaging results showed increased activation in the lateral OFC (lOFC) in the three contrasts that were distressing: 1) during unjustifiable killing; 2) when being killed; and 3) when confronted by an outgroup member with a gun. Together, these results provide important insights into the neurocognitive mechanisms involved in intergroup violence and highlight the critical role of the lOFC in context dependent social decision-making.
The present research examines whether people use racial contact to signal positive and negative s... more The present research examines whether people use racial contact to signal positive and negative social attributes. In two experiments, participants were instructed to fake good (trustworthy/competent) or fake bad (untrustworthy/incompetent) when reporting their amount of contact with a range of different racial groups. In Experiment 1 (N = 364), participants faking good reported significantly more contact with White Americans than with non-White Americans, whereas participants faking bad did not. In Experiment 2 (N = 1,056), this pattern was replicated and was found to be particularly pronounced among those with stronger pro-White bias. These findings suggest that individuals may use racial contact as a social signal, effectively "whitewashing" their apparent contact and friendships when trying to present positively.
The understanding of empathy from a neuroscientific perspective has recently developed quickly, w... more The understanding of empathy from a neuroscientific perspective has recently developed quickly, with numerous functional MRI studies associating different brain regions with different components of empathy. A recent meta-analysis across 40 fMRI studies revealed that affective empathy is most often associated with increased activity in the insula, whereas cognitive empathy is most often associated with activity in the midcingulate cortex and adjacent dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (MCC/dmPFC). To date, however, it remains unclear whether individual differences in brain morphometry in these regions underlie different dispositions in affective and cognitive empathy. In order to test this hypothesis, voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was used to examine the extent to which gray matter density predicts scores from an established empathy measure (Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy; QCAE). One hundred and seventy-six participants completed the QCAE and underwent MRI in order to acquire a high-resolution, three-dimensional T1-weighted structural scans. A factor analysis of the questionnaire scores revealed two distinct factors of empathy, affective and cognitive, which confirmed the validity of the QCAE. VBM results revealed gray matter density differences associated with the distinct components of empathy. Higher scores on affective empathy were associated with greater gray matter density in the insula cortex and higher scores of cognitive empathy were associated with greater gray matter density in the MCC/dmPFC. Taken together, these results provide validation for empathy being a multi-component construct, suggesting that affective and cognitive empathy are differentially represented in brain morphometry as well as providing convergent evidence for empathy being represented by different neural and structural correlates.
From an evolutionary perspective, one should be more sensitive
when outgroup members attack the ... more From an evolutionary perspective, one should be more sensitive
when outgroup members attack the ingroup but less so when
ingroup or outgroup members fight among themselves. Indeed, previous behavioral and neuroimaging research demonstrated that people show greater sensitivity for the suffering of ingroup compared with outgroup members. However, the question still remains whether this is always the case regardless of who is the agent causing the harm.
To examine the role of agency and group membership in perception
of harm, 48 participants were scanned while viewing ingroup or outgroup perpetrators intentionally harming ingroup or outgroup
members. Behavioral results showed greater moral sensitivity for
ingroup versus outgroup victims, but only when the perpetrator was
from the outgroup. In support of this finding, fMRI data showed
greater activity in left orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) for ingroup victims
when they were harmed by outgroup individuals. In addition, effective
connectivity analyses documented an increased coupling
between left OFC and left amygdala and insula for ingroup harm,
when the perpetrator was from the outgroup. Together these results
indicate that we are highly sensitive to harm perpetrated by outgroup
members and that increased sensitivity for ingroup victims is dependent on who is the agent of the action.
ABSTRACT Control deprivation stimulates approach motivation•Low control people become energized a... more ABSTRACT Control deprivation stimulates approach motivation•Low control people become energized and motivated to achieve their goals•This tendency is argued to be both palliative and functional in restoring control
ABSTRACT The theory of planned behavior was used to predict participants' (n = 219) sun p... more ABSTRACT The theory of planned behavior was used to predict participants' (n = 219) sun protection intentions and (longitudinally) self-reported behavior from attitudes, perceptions of control, and subjective norms. Norm focus theory was incorporated by distinguishing injunctive and descriptive norms. In turn, subjective descriptive and injunctive norms were examined in relation to the norms of a salient referent group: university students. Referent group norms were found to be associated with subjective norms, and to influence intentions indirectly. A marginal interaction of referent group descriptive and injunctive norms was also observed on behavior. Results highlight the importance of examining indirect effects in order to capture the effect of group-level processes when multiple sources and levels of normative influence are examined.
This chapter examines the Australian identity and values, and Australians&amp... more This chapter examines the Australian identity and values, and Australians' treatment of outsiders. A historical overview of the ways in which Australian identity has been defined is accompanied by a review of relevant research. We explore the construction and contestation of the Australian identity on an explicit and implicit level, and its relation to other identities such as the inclusive human category, or identification as a White/European Australian. We describe a programme of research in which identification as an Australian is associated ...
ABSTRACT The present research applies a self‐determination theory framework to capture the broad ... more ABSTRACT The present research applies a self‐determination theory framework to capture the broad spectrum of reasons why individuals engage in harmful normative behaviors. This correlational study (N = 242) focused on harmful behaviors that were either supported by one's in‐group or not. Participants whose in‐group encourages them to engage in a harmful behavior reported stronger motivation, both self‐determined and non‐self‐determined. Perceiving strong in‐group norms in favor of these behaviors was associated positively with the non‐self‐determined motivation pertaining to introjected regulation. The more participants agreed with an in‐group norm in favor of a harmful behavior, the stronger their self‐determination for engaging in this behavior. Results are discussed in light of self‐determination theory, normative models of social influence, and intergroup theories.
The role of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in moral decision-making is well established. However,... more The role of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in moral decision-making is well established. However, OFC activity is highly context dependent. It is affected by the extent to which choices are morally justified and whom they concern. In the current study, we specifically focus on contextual factors and investigate the differential role of the OFC during justified and unjustified violence towards ingroup versus outgroup members. Muslims were chosen as the outgroup, as they are currently stereotypically seen as an outgroup and a potential threat by some Non-Muslims. Importantly, we also introduce a context where participants are the actual agents responsible for doing harm. During fMRI scanning, Non-Muslim participants had to decide to either shoot a Non-Muslim (i.e., ingroup member) or Muslim (outgroup member) depending on whether they believed the target was holding a gun or an object. Neuroimaging results showed increased activation in the lateral OFC (lOFC) in the three contrasts that were distressing: 1) during unjustifiable killing; 2) when being killed; and 3) when confronted by an outgroup member with a gun. Together, these results provide important insights into the neurocognitive mechanisms involved in intergroup violence and highlight the critical role of the lOFC in context dependent social decision-making.
The role of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in moral decision-making is well established. However,... more The role of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in moral decision-making is well established. However, OFC activity is highly context dependent. It is affected by the extent to which choices are morally justified and whom they concern. In the current study, we specifically focus on contextual factors and investigate the differential role of the OFC during justified and unjustified violence towards ingroup versus outgroup members. Muslims were chosen as the outgroup, as they are currently stereotypically seen as an outgroup and a potential threat by some Non-Muslims. Importantly, we also introduce a context where participants are the actual agents responsible for doing harm. During fMRI scanning, Non-Muslim participants had to decide to either shoot a Non-Muslim (i.e., ingroup member) or Muslim (outgroup member) depending on whether they believed the target was holding a gun or an object. Neuroimaging results showed increased activation in the lateral OFC (lOFC) in the three contrasts that were distressing: 1) during unjustifiable killing; 2) when being killed; and 3) when confronted by an outgroup member with a gun. Together, these results provide important insights into the neurocognitive mechanisms involved in intergroup violence and highlight the critical role of the lOFC in context dependent social decision-making.
The present research examines whether people use racial contact to signal positive and negative s... more The present research examines whether people use racial contact to signal positive and negative social attributes. In two experiments, participants were instructed to fake good (trustworthy/competent) or fake bad (untrustworthy/incompetent) when reporting their amount of contact with a range of different racial groups. In Experiment 1 (N = 364), participants faking good reported significantly more contact with White Americans than with non-White Americans, whereas participants faking bad did not. In Experiment 2 (N = 1,056), this pattern was replicated and was found to be particularly pronounced among those with stronger pro-White bias. These findings suggest that individuals may use racial contact as a social signal, effectively "whitewashing" their apparent contact and friendships when trying to present positively.
The understanding of empathy from a neuroscientific perspective has recently developed quickly, w... more The understanding of empathy from a neuroscientific perspective has recently developed quickly, with numerous functional MRI studies associating different brain regions with different components of empathy. A recent meta-analysis across 40 fMRI studies revealed that affective empathy is most often associated with increased activity in the insula, whereas cognitive empathy is most often associated with activity in the midcingulate cortex and adjacent dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (MCC/dmPFC). To date, however, it remains unclear whether individual differences in brain morphometry in these regions underlie different dispositions in affective and cognitive empathy. In order to test this hypothesis, voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was used to examine the extent to which gray matter density predicts scores from an established empathy measure (Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy; QCAE). One hundred and seventy-six participants completed the QCAE and underwent MRI in order to acquire a high-resolution, three-dimensional T1-weighted structural scans. A factor analysis of the questionnaire scores revealed two distinct factors of empathy, affective and cognitive, which confirmed the validity of the QCAE. VBM results revealed gray matter density differences associated with the distinct components of empathy. Higher scores on affective empathy were associated with greater gray matter density in the insula cortex and higher scores of cognitive empathy were associated with greater gray matter density in the MCC/dmPFC. Taken together, these results provide validation for empathy being a multi-component construct, suggesting that affective and cognitive empathy are differentially represented in brain morphometry as well as providing convergent evidence for empathy being represented by different neural and structural correlates.
From an evolutionary perspective, one should be more sensitive
when outgroup members attack the ... more From an evolutionary perspective, one should be more sensitive
when outgroup members attack the ingroup but less so when
ingroup or outgroup members fight among themselves. Indeed, previous behavioral and neuroimaging research demonstrated that people show greater sensitivity for the suffering of ingroup compared with outgroup members. However, the question still remains whether this is always the case regardless of who is the agent causing the harm.
To examine the role of agency and group membership in perception
of harm, 48 participants were scanned while viewing ingroup or outgroup perpetrators intentionally harming ingroup or outgroup
members. Behavioral results showed greater moral sensitivity for
ingroup versus outgroup victims, but only when the perpetrator was
from the outgroup. In support of this finding, fMRI data showed
greater activity in left orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) for ingroup victims
when they were harmed by outgroup individuals. In addition, effective
connectivity analyses documented an increased coupling
between left OFC and left amygdala and insula for ingroup harm,
when the perpetrator was from the outgroup. Together these results
indicate that we are highly sensitive to harm perpetrated by outgroup
members and that increased sensitivity for ingroup victims is dependent on who is the agent of the action.
ABSTRACT Control deprivation stimulates approach motivation•Low control people become energized a... more ABSTRACT Control deprivation stimulates approach motivation•Low control people become energized and motivated to achieve their goals•This tendency is argued to be both palliative and functional in restoring control
ABSTRACT The theory of planned behavior was used to predict participants' (n = 219) sun p... more ABSTRACT The theory of planned behavior was used to predict participants' (n = 219) sun protection intentions and (longitudinally) self-reported behavior from attitudes, perceptions of control, and subjective norms. Norm focus theory was incorporated by distinguishing injunctive and descriptive norms. In turn, subjective descriptive and injunctive norms were examined in relation to the norms of a salient referent group: university students. Referent group norms were found to be associated with subjective norms, and to influence intentions indirectly. A marginal interaction of referent group descriptive and injunctive norms was also observed on behavior. Results highlight the importance of examining indirect effects in order to capture the effect of group-level processes when multiple sources and levels of normative influence are examined.
This chapter examines the Australian identity and values, and Australians&amp... more This chapter examines the Australian identity and values, and Australians' treatment of outsiders. A historical overview of the ways in which Australian identity has been defined is accompanied by a review of relevant research. We explore the construction and contestation of the Australian identity on an explicit and implicit level, and its relation to other identities such as the inclusive human category, or identification as a White/European Australian. We describe a programme of research in which identification as an Australian is associated ...
ABSTRACT The present research applies a self‐determination theory framework to capture the broad ... more ABSTRACT The present research applies a self‐determination theory framework to capture the broad spectrum of reasons why individuals engage in harmful normative behaviors. This correlational study (N = 242) focused on harmful behaviors that were either supported by one's in‐group or not. Participants whose in‐group encourages them to engage in a harmful behavior reported stronger motivation, both self‐determined and non‐self‐determined. Perceiving strong in‐group norms in favor of these behaviors was associated positively with the non‐self‐determined motivation pertaining to introjected regulation. The more participants agreed with an in‐group norm in favor of a harmful behavior, the stronger their self‐determination for engaging in this behavior. Results are discussed in light of self‐determination theory, normative models of social influence, and intergroup theories.
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Papers by Winnifred Louis
when outgroup members attack the ingroup but less so when
ingroup or outgroup members fight among themselves. Indeed, previous behavioral and neuroimaging research demonstrated that people show greater sensitivity for the suffering of ingroup compared with outgroup members. However, the question still remains whether this is always the case regardless of who is the agent causing the harm.
To examine the role of agency and group membership in perception
of harm, 48 participants were scanned while viewing ingroup or outgroup perpetrators intentionally harming ingroup or outgroup
members. Behavioral results showed greater moral sensitivity for
ingroup versus outgroup victims, but only when the perpetrator was
from the outgroup. In support of this finding, fMRI data showed
greater activity in left orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) for ingroup victims
when they were harmed by outgroup individuals. In addition, effective
connectivity analyses documented an increased coupling
between left OFC and left amygdala and insula for ingroup harm,
when the perpetrator was from the outgroup. Together these results
indicate that we are highly sensitive to harm perpetrated by outgroup
members and that increased sensitivity for ingroup victims is dependent on who is the agent of the action.
when outgroup members attack the ingroup but less so when
ingroup or outgroup members fight among themselves. Indeed, previous behavioral and neuroimaging research demonstrated that people show greater sensitivity for the suffering of ingroup compared with outgroup members. However, the question still remains whether this is always the case regardless of who is the agent causing the harm.
To examine the role of agency and group membership in perception
of harm, 48 participants were scanned while viewing ingroup or outgroup perpetrators intentionally harming ingroup or outgroup
members. Behavioral results showed greater moral sensitivity for
ingroup versus outgroup victims, but only when the perpetrator was
from the outgroup. In support of this finding, fMRI data showed
greater activity in left orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) for ingroup victims
when they were harmed by outgroup individuals. In addition, effective
connectivity analyses documented an increased coupling
between left OFC and left amygdala and insula for ingroup harm,
when the perpetrator was from the outgroup. Together these results
indicate that we are highly sensitive to harm perpetrated by outgroup
members and that increased sensitivity for ingroup victims is dependent on who is the agent of the action.