Define mirror neurons. Briefly explain how they were discovered and what researchers have linked them to.

Answer:

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Mirror neurons are activated by performing an action or seeing another perform the action. They were found by chance during experiments with monkeys, when researchers discovered that the same neurons that fired while performing a behavior also fired while observing the behavior. Mirror neurons have been linked to motor skill development, imitating another’s behavior, feeling empathy for another, understanding or comprehending social behavior, and language development.