Taking messages into the magnet: Method–theory synergy in communication neuroscience

ABSTRACT

Brain imaging techniques within communication research have rapidly expanded in popularity in recent years, driven by an increase in access to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technology and by theoretical developments within the field. In this manuscript, we present an overview of research from within communication and cognate disciplines that has leveraged insights from fMRI research to “push the envelope,” demonstrating a synergy between methodological and theoretical progress. In addition, we provide a review of fMRI technology, methodology, and theoretical considerations, focusing on recent developments in the cognitive and brain sciences that are of special relevance to communication scholars. Finally, we provide a series of practical recommendations and resources for communication scholars interested in conducting fMRI studies.

KEYWORDS:

• Brain imaging
• functional magnetic resonance imaging
• media neuroscience
• communication neuroscience
• method–theory synergy

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

René Weber (M.D., RWTH University of Aachen, Germany; Ph.D., University of Technology Berlin, Germany) is a Professor in the Department of Communication and lead researcher at UCSB’s Media Neuroscience Lab. His recent research focuses on cognitive responses to mass communication and new technology media messages, including video games.

Jacob T. Fisher (M.A., Texas Tech University) is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Communication at UCSB and a trainee in the NSF IGERT program in Network Science and Big Data. His research focuses on dynamic attentional networks, cognitive control, salience filtering, multitasking, and media processing in ADHD and Autistic Populations.

Frederic R. Hopp (B.A., University of Mannheim) is an M.A./Ph.D. student in the Department of Communication at UCSB. Broadly speaking, his research integrates computational, neuroscientific, and evolutionary approaches to explore media processes and effects of morally laden media contents.

Chelsea Lonergan (M.A., University of California Santa Barbara) is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Communication at UCSB. Her research interests include cognitive communication science and interactive media. Specifically, her research focuses on the relationship between cognitive sex differences, media usage, and media effects.

Notes

1. For a helpful, interactive brain atlas illuminating the location of each of these and other brain regions, we recommend the Harvard Scalable Brain Atlas (https://scalablebrainatlas.incf.org/human).

2. “Voxel” is shorthand for “volume pixel” or “3D pixel.” Voxels are a basic unit of resolution in brain imaging. A typical voxel in a modern scanner is around 1 mm³ and contains about 100.000 neurons.

3. As a service to fellow communication and media neuroscientists, we maintain a constantly updated list of helpful meta-analyses, websites, and resources at www.medianeuroscience.org/resources. We also provide a more detailed, step-by-step roadmap to fMRI research at www.medianeuroscience.org/roadmap.

4. We recommend several freely available channels on YouTube, namely “Mumford Brain Stats,” “Principles of fMRI by Tor and Martin,” and “Andy’s Brain Blog.”