ABOUT THE LAB

About Social Mind Lab

Social Mind & Human Functioning Lab investigates how the human mind understands, predicts, and acts in the social world. We study the psychological and neural mechanisms of human sociality, focusing on how cooperation, morality, and prosocial behavior emerge from the human mind and shape social life and human functioning.

Formerly the PNU Social Neuroscience Lab at Pusan National University, the lab is now based at Hanyang University in Seoul, Korea.

Research Focus

Our research aims to uncover the psychological and neural mechanisms of human sociality by decoding socioemotional processes, identifying the neural basis of social behavior, developing quantitative behavioral and computational models, and explaining individual differences.

Ultimately, we seek to understand how individuals and societies can function well, both individually and collectively.

Aims of Research

  1. Decode hidden socioemotional processes using multimodal measurements

  2. Identify the neural basis of human social behavior

  3. Develop behavioral measurements and computational models

  4. Predict individual differences in socioemotional processing

  5. Identify the conditions that promote healthy functioning in individuals and societies

Multi-Level Approach

We adopt a multi-level, integrative approach to human behavior, examining social and emotional processes across neural, individual, and group levels of analysis.

Neural Level

  • Structural and functional MRI

  • Human physiology

  • Genetics

Individual Level

  • Behavioral experiments

  • Surveys

  • Ecological momentary assessment

Group Level

  • Dynamic social interactions

  • Social networks

  • Group and cultural contexts