A researcher implants an electrode in a rat's brain,and then wires the electrode so that it stimulates a specific brain region every time the rat presses a lever.The rat finds the stimulation so rewarding that it does nothing but press the lever all day.Which of the following brain regions does the electrode most likely stimulate?
A)nucleus accumbens
B)amygdala
C)cerebellum
D)thalamus

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nucleus accumbens is a brain region that plays a key role in the brain's reward system. Stimulation in this region can produce feelings of pleasure and reinforcement, which can motivate animals (like rats) to repeat the behavior that caused the stimulation. The fact that the rat is continuously pressing the lever suggests that the stimulation is highly rewarding and addictive, which is consistent with the role of the nucleus accumbens in the brain's reward circuitry.

A Researcher Implants an Electrode in a Rat's Brain,and Then