The role of the cerbellum in abstract social cognition: a combined tDCS/EEG project

While traditionally thought to be involved only in motor processes, recent research has demonstrated
the critical contributions of the cerebellum to higher cognitive functions and psychopathology. We
aim to expand our understanding of the cerebellum's broader role, specifically in abstract social
cognition (i.e., trait inferences). To investigate the cerebellum's involvement in trait inferences, we
will causally influence cerebellar activity during a verbal trait inference task using non-invasive
cerebellar electrical stimulation. Second, we will study trait inference in a population with altered
cerebellar structure and function as well as associated social cognition alterations, specifically,
individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We will examine brain activity during trait
inferences by means of non-invasive registration of cerebral electrical activity (EEG). A fundamental
objective of this project is to more precisely delineate the role of the cerebellum in social cognition.
Further, investigation of trait inferences in people with ASD is important in its own right, given
theoretical reasons to assume outspoken differences with neurotypicals, and the experienced
difficulties of people with ASD in related tasks. Additionally, non-invasive cerebellar stimulation may
help alleviate these difficulties to some extent