Neural activity related to different levels of engagement in conversation

We investigate how engagement in a conversation manifests in neural activity. We combine fMRI data with conversation data annotated for engagement for every speaking turn a participant took. We investigate how neural activity varies with engagement level and how it is modulated by the interlocutor's level of engagement with the participant. We hypothesise that there are areas in the temporal lobes that relate to engagement and that the engagement interlocutor's engagement level modulates neural activity related to engagement.