The research delves into the complexities of the human brain, particularly how it processes social interactions and represents other people’s intentions. The central question is whether the brain’s complex cognitive processes can be described by mathematical equations. The research team developed a mathematical model that simulates how we represent others in our minds during social interactions. This model suggests that we start with a rudimentary mental representation of another person and refine it over time, based on sensory inputs and previous experiences. The team used magnetic resonance imaging to record brain activity and applied the mathematical model to interpret the data.