What are mirror neurons known for?

Mirror neurons are a specific class of brain cells that play a crucial role in understanding and emulating the actions of others. Their defining characteristic is the ability to fire both when an individual performs a particular action and when they observe someone else performing the same action. This dual activation is essential for various cognitive processes, including imitation, learning through observation, and understanding the intentions behind others' actions.

This mechanism not only facilitates the learning of new skills by watching others but also helps in empathizing and connecting with others on a social level, as we can better understand their actions and emotions through this neural response. Consequently, the option stating that mirror neurons fire when an individual performs or observes an action accurately encapsulates their function and importance in cognitive psychology.