Neuroscientists Identify Brain Mechanisms that Predict Generosity in Children

A paper published in the journal Current Biology, conducted by researchers from the University of Chicago, sheds new light on the neurological mechanisms of children as they learn the concept of generosity. Using EEG brain-wave analysis and eye tracking, 57 children from the ages of three to five were studied as they viewed animations of characters acting either kindly or cruelly to each other. The subjects were then given stickers and told that they may share with an unknown subject who would be appearing later in the day. This moment of considering generosity allowed researchers to compare neural activity, discovering that the subjects seemed naturally drawn towards morally-laden stimuli and seemed to replay these memories as they considered reenacting the actions. The author explained, “This is the first neuro-developmental study of moral sensitivity that directly links implicit moral evaluations and actual moral behavior, and identifies the specific neuro markers of each. These findings provide an interesting idea that by encouraging children to reflect upon the moral behavior of others, we may be able to foster sharing and generosity in them.” To learn more about this study, click here.