Responses to Frequently asked Questions regarding RFA AG-09-006 Social Neuroscience of Aging

Social Neuroscience RFA – FAQs

Answers to inquiries regarding RFA AG-09-006 “Social Neuroscience of Aging”

FAQ1: We have received many questions about applications focusing on cognitive function, such as memory (not to be confused with social cognitive function, i.e., social persuasion, moral judgment, stereotype threat, etc.). To what extent are applications looking at the impact of social factors on cognitive function responsive to the RFA?

As noted in the RFA: "Applications are expected to either: (1) address the neurobiological and/or genetic foundations and correlates of social behaviors and social relationships of particular relevance to middle-aged and older adults, or (2) use life course or lifespan developmental approaches to understand neurobiological and genetic mechanisms or pathways by which social behaviors and social relationships affect important aging outcomes.”

And also: “Only proposals that integrate genetic and/or neurobiological measures with behavioral/social measures of social behaviors, relationships, or processes relevant to aging will be considered responsive to this FOA.”

For example, an application exploring the impact of social engagement on cognition would NOT be considered responsive if it merely examined cognitive outcomes such as memory function and looked at changes in the neural correlates of memory function pre and post social engagement.

However, an application that examined the brain changes associated with social experience, and subsequently the neurobiological (or genetic) and psychological mechanisms whereby social experience impacts function (social, cognitive, physical, emotional, etc.), that included cognitive outcomes would be acceptable. In the latter example, the application is responsive because the focus is on revealing the neurobiological/genetic mechanisms associated with the social factors, rather than merely demonstrating that social factors impact on an established neural or behavioral profile of a basic cognitive function such as memory performance.

It is acknowledged that this is a fine distinction, but we strongly encourage the emphasis on the social factors and their physiological underpinnings and correlates.