A neuroscientist hypothesizes that the brain represents abstract concepts such as "freedom" using the same regions involved in concrete sensory and motor experiences, supporting the idea that abstract thought is grounded in bodily experience. A competing view holds that abstract concepts are processed by entirely separate, amodal systems.
Which finding, if true, would most strongly support the neuroscientist's hypothesis over the competing view?
- A
Some brain regions are devoted to processing language.
- Bcheck_circle
Functional brain imaging shows that participants reading metaphorical phrases like 'grasping freedom' activate motor regions associated with hand movement, even when no physical action is required.
- C
People can think about abstract concepts without performing any movements.
- D
Abstract concepts are often described using metaphorical language.
Explanation
A is the key empirical signature: motor regions activate during purely abstract metaphor processing, supporting embodied grounding over an amodal view. B, C, and D are consistent with both views.