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Peer-reviewed article

A reexamination of the neurorealism effect: the role of context

October 21, 2016 | Media and Technology
The phenomenon of lay readers of neuroscience being positively biased by the mere presence of brain images (fMRI), has been hotly debated, with recent failures to replicate the phenomenon, and suggestions that context is important. We experimentally investigated the potentially biasing effect of neuroimagery on participants' beliefs and explored an important facet of context within a neuroscience article: whether the article was supportive or critical of fMRI use in detecting states of mind. Results supported recent arguments that a “neurorealism” effect may in part be an artifact of experimental design; but we also report evidence that context may be critical.

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Maria Popescu
    Author
    SUNY Upstate Medical University
  • R. Bruce Thompson
    Author
    University of Southern Maine
  • William Gayton
    Author
    University of Southern Maine
  • Vincent Markowski
    Author
    SUNY Geneseo
  • Citation

    ISSN : 1824-2049
    Publication Name: Journal of Science Communication
    Volume: 15
    Number: 6
    Resource Type: Research Products
    Discipline: Health and medicine | Technology
    Audience: General Public | Scientists
    Environment Type: Media and Technology | Websites, Mobile Apps, and Online Media

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