Neuroscientific study of religion : What neuroimaging studies tell us about cognitive pathways

Sammanfattning: Cognitive Science of Religion attempts to explain how humans came to develop belief in the supranatural by exploring the underlying neurocognitive mechanisms of religion. New imaging technologies provide a unique possibility to identify pathways activated during religious practice. Main studies in this field have been reviewed and summarised by Schoejdt, and by Grafman et al. This thesis reviews the imaging-based studies and applies content analysis to investigate whether their design and results are adequate to probe their hypotheses and provide information regarding neural pathways involved in religious practice. A total of eight studies are identified for further analysis. This thesis reviews the studies based on their sample size, subject matter, choice of imaging, psychological tests, hypotheses and outcomes. It identifies small sample size and limited diversity but suggests that with stringent study design imaging can provide important information about neural basis of religion.