When a rat learns to turn the correct way in a T-shaped maze,we find that in the basal ganglia:
A)neural activity is relatively constant throughout the learning process.
B)neural activity is low at the beginning of learning and gradually increases.
C)neural activity is high at the beginning of learning but gradually tapers off.
D)the pattern of neural activity changes as the rat becomes better at the task.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pattern of neural activity changes as the rat becomes better at the task. This is because the basal ganglia are involved in motor learning and the formation of habits. As the rat becomes more proficient at the task, the neural activity in the basal ganglia shifts to a more efficient pattern. Studies have shown that there is an increase in firing rate of certain neurons in the basal ganglia during early learning, followed by a decrease in firing rate as the behavior becomes more habitual. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

When a Rat Learns to Turn the Correct Way in a T-Shaped