Naturalistic Stimuli in Neuroscience: Critically Acclaimed

Trends Cogn Sci. 2019 Aug;23(8):699-714. doi: 10.1016/j.tics.2019.05.004. Epub 2019 Jun 27.

Abstract

Cognitive neuroscience has traditionally focused on simple tasks, presented sparsely and using abstract stimuli. While this approach has yielded fundamental insights into functional specialisation in the brain, its ecological validity remains uncertain. Do these tasks capture how brains function 'in the wild', where stimuli are dynamic, multimodal, and crowded? Ecologically valid paradigms that approximate real life scenarios, using stimuli such as films, spoken narratives, music, and multiperson games emerged in response to these concerns over a decade ago. We critically appraise whether this approach has delivered on its promise to deliver new insights into brain function. We highlight the challenges, technological innovations, and clinical opportunities that are required should this field meet its full potential.

Keywords: critical dynamics; emotion; fMRI analysis; memory; movies; naturalistic stimuli; resting-state fMRI; social cognition.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain / physiology
  • Cognition / physiology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Neurosciences / methods*
  • Perception* / physiology
  • Physical Stimulation / methods*