How do psychologists know that the hypothalamus and neural pathways involving dopamine regulate the ability to experience reward?
A)Rats will refuse to repeatedly press a lever to receive electrical stimulation in the areas of the hypothalamus.
B)Humans are unable to report pleasure when specific areas in the hypothalamus are electrically stimulated.
C)Rats will repeatedly press a lever to receive electrical stimulation in the areas of the hypothalamus and humans report pleasure when specific areas in the hypothalamus are electrically stimulated.
D)Humans will pay unethical surgeons to have electrodes implanted to self-stimulate their hypothalamus.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

C is correct because both parts of the statement are true and supported by research. Rats have been shown to repeatedly press a lever to receive electrical stimulation in areas of the hypothalamus, indicating the stimulation is rewarding. Similarly, humans have reported feelings of pleasure when specific areas of the hypothalamus are electrically stimulated, suggesting these areas are involved in the experience of reward.

How Do Psychologists Know That the Hypothalamus and Neural Pathways