Question

in a study of the mechanisms underlying associative memory—or the ability to learn and remember connections between inherently unrelated things—neuroscientists kei igarashi, jasmine chavez, and others presented mice with memory tests. the team discovered that fan cells, a type of cell found in the medial temporal lobe of the brain, are necessary for the acquisition of new associative memories. they also found that fan cell activity requires dopamine, a chemical the brain produces in response to pleasure and rewards. consequently, receiving a reward should likely help to ______
which choice most logically completes the text?
a decrease an individual’s capacity to utilize dopamine.
b increase an individual’s capacity to recognize differences between unrelated things.
c increase an individual’s capacity to form associative memories.
d decrease an individual’s capacity to create fan cells.

Explanation:

The text states fan cells are necessary for associative memory, and fan cell activity requires dopamine (released by rewards). More reward-driven dopamine would boost fan cell function, enhancing associative memory formation. Options A, B, D are inconsistent with the causal links described: rewards increase dopamine (not decrease its use), the focus is on associative memory (not recognizing unrelated differences), and rewards don't decrease fan cell capacity.

Answer:

C. increase an individual's capacity to form associative memories.