A researcher claims that the same area of the brain is active when we feel physical pain as when we feel hurt by social rejection. Which of the following would support her claims?
A) PET scan results showing strong activation in the amygdala during social rejection
B) An fMRI scan showing intense blood flow in the limbic system during social rejection
C) PET scans showing activity in the sensory cortex when the researcher says hurtful things to the participants
D) Images from fMRI scans that look similar for subjects experiencing physical pain and subjects experiencing social rejection

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Images from fMRI scans that look similar for subjects experiencing physical pain and subjects experiencing social rejection would support the researcher’s claim that the same area of the brain is active when we feel physical pain as when we feel hurt by social rejection. Choice A would support the claim that the amygdala is involved in social rejection, but does not necessarily support the claim that it is the same area involved in physical pain. Choice B mentions intense blood flow in the limbic system, but does not specify which part of the limbic system is involved. Choice C may show activity in the sensory cortex, but it does not necessarily support the claim that the same area is involved in physical pain and social rejection.

A Researcher Claims That the Same Area of the Brain