A research team tested more than 550 people in a study. Participants played a repeated rock-paper-scissors game against human or computer opponents. The team used a new computer model to measure how people thought about opponents and how they changed those ideas after each round.
Most people changed their behaviour when an opponent changed, but some were faster than others at noticing the change. Brain scans (fMRI) showed activity in areas linked to thinking about other people and to sensing when expectations were wrong. The researchers say these markers could help understand social disabilities and might guide future therapies.
Difficult words
- participant — person who takes part in a studyParticipants
- opponent — person or computer you play againstopponents
- behaviour — the way someone acts or responds
- measure — to check or record a value or change
- expectation — a belief about what will happenexpectations
- therapy — treatment to help a person's healththerapies
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you played rock-paper-scissors with a person or with a computer? Which did you prefer?
- How quickly do you notice when someone changes their behaviour in a game?
- Do you think brain scans can help doctors understand social problems? Why or why not?
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