Research in embodied and grounded cognition focuses on how the body, brain, and environment interact to produce intelligent behavior. In cognitive neuroscience, it is believed that our ability to plan actions, communicate thoughts, and work together comes from simulations in specific parts of the brain, which are influenced by our surroundings and context. This approach views representations in the brain as powerful, predictive tools that integrate the brain, body, and environment.

Matheson, H. E., Barsalou, L. W., CENTER FOR COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, & INSTITUTE OF NEUROSCIENCE AND PSYCHOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW. (2021). Embodiment and grounding in cognitive neuroscience. In The Stevens? Handbook of Experimental Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Fourth Edition [Book]. https://barsaloulab.org/Online_Articles/2018-Matheson_Barsalou-Stevens_Handbook.pdf

Embodiment in psychology suggests that the body is crucial for emotions, motivation, and cognition. We review neuroscience research showing that facial expressions, hand movements, and posture affect approach motivation. We also discuss facial-feedback theories, grounded cognition, and mirror neurons. We conclude that body movements and emotions influence each other and suggest new research directions.

Price, T. F., Peterson, C. K., & Harmon-Jones, E. (2011). The emotive neuroscience of embodiment. Motivation and Emotion. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031-011-9258-1

The embodiment framework is the idea that how we think and feel is closely tied to our bodies, including our senses, movements, and emotions. This approach suggests that our physical experiences shape our mental processes. The article starts by explaining why this idea makes sense, touching on evolution and philosophy. It then looks at different ways people study embodiment, like how language and symbols are connected to our physical experiences, and how our actions influence our thoughts. Finally, it gives examples of how this approach can help us understand various areas, such as how we think and remember, how we grow and develop socially, and how we can use this knowledge in psychology and education.

Schubert, T. W., & Semin, G. R. (2009). Embodiment as a unifying perspective for psychology. European Journal of Social Psychology, 39(7), 1135–1141. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.670