Physiological research on problem solving has concluded that the prefrontal cortex (PFC)is important in problem solving because damage to this area causes
A) difficulty in people developing expertise in a certain area of knowledge.
B) people to lose their memory for facts that might aid in finding a solution.
C) an increase in perseveration.
D) an inability to recognize analogies.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The prefrontal cortex is responsible for executive functions, such as working memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility. Damage to this area can cause perseveration, which is the tendency to continue repeating the same response or behavior even when it is no longer appropriate or effective. This can hinder problem-solving abilities as it limits the ability to consider alternative solutions. Difficulty in developing expertise (A) or recognizing analogies (D) may also be affected by damage to the prefrontal cortex, but perseveration is the most closely related to problem-solving. Loss of memory (B) may also occur with PFC damage, but it is not related specifically to problem-solving.

Physiological Research on Problem Solving Has Concluded That the Prefrontal