Functionalism is demonstrated by
A) no brain differences between different songbird species.
B) same-sized spatial reasoning areas in the brains in a species that primarily hunts and one that does not.
C) more activity in the amygdala in an aggressive species.
D) equal levels of activity in the amygdala for calm and aggressive species.
E) no differences in degree of development of the cerebral cortex between dolphins and snakes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Functionalism in psychology or neuroscience refers to the idea that mental states and processes are constituted solely by their functional role - that is, they have causal relations to other mental states, inputs, and outputs. Option C, which mentions more activity in the amygdala (a region of the brain associated with emotions such as aggression) in an aggressive species, demonstrates functionalism by linking a specific brain activity pattern (increased amygdala activity) with a particular behavioral or psychological function (aggression). This aligns with the functionalist perspective that emphasizes the role of mental processes in enabling organisms to adapt to their environment.

Functionalism Is Demonstrated by