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:

1. Analyze the study's findings: Fan cells are necessary for new associative memories, and fan cell activity requires dopamine. Rewards trigger dopamine production.
2. Evaluate Option A: Rewards cause dopamine production, so they should increase, not decrease, dopamine utilization. Eliminate A.
3. Evaluate Option B: The study focuses on forming connections (associative memory), not recognizing differences. Eliminate B.
4. Evaluate Option C: Since rewards lead to dopamine, which is needed for fan cell activity (required for associative memory), rewards should boost associative memory formation. This matches.
5. Evaluate Option D: Rewards relate to dopamine and fan cell activity, not reducing fan cell creation. Eliminate D.

Answer:

C) increase an individual’s capacity to form associative memories