title: The role of the midcingulate cortex in monitoring others' decisions.
abstract: A plethora of research has implicated the cingulate cortex in the processing of social information (i.e., processing elicited by, about, and directed toward others) and reward-related information that guides decision-making. However, it is often overlooked that there is variability in the cytoarchitectonic properties and anatomical connections across the cingulate cortex, which is indicative of functional variability. Here we review evidence from lesion, single-unit recording and functional imaging studies. Taken together, these support the claim that the processing of information that has the greatest influence on social behavior can be localized to the gyral surface of the midcingulate cortex (MCCg). We propose that the MCCg is engaged when predicting and monitoring the outcomes of decisions during social interactions. In particular, the MCCg processes statistical information that tracks the extent to which the outcomes of decisions meet goals when interacting with others. We provide a novel framework for the computational mechanisms that underpin such social information processing in the MCCg. This framework provides testable hypotheses for the social deficits displayed in autism spectrum disorders and psychopathy.
authors.affiliation: Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital Oxford, UK ; Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford Oxford, UK ; Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London London, UK.
authors.forename: Matthew A J
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Apps
authors.affiliation: Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London London, UK.
authors.forename: Patricia L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Lockwood
authors.affiliation: Neural Control of Movement Lab, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich Zurich, Switzerland ; Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: Joshua H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Balsters
keywords: anterior cingulate cortex; autism spectrum disorders (ASD); empathy; midcingulate cortex; prediction error; psychopathy; social cognition; social reward