A neuroscientist proposes that the experience of "flow" — deep, effortless absorption in a task — is associated with reduced activity in brain regions linked to self-monitoring, rather than with general changes in arousal or attention.
Which finding, if true, would most strongly support the neuroscientist's proposal?
- A
Some athletes describe flow as a peak performance experience.
- B
Flow states are reported across many cultures and activities.
- C
Self-monitoring brain regions become active when people make mistakes.
- Dcheck_circle
Brain imaging during reported flow states showed selectively reduced activity in self-monitoring regions, while activity in arousal and attention systems was indistinguishable from non-flow states.
Explanation
A directly identifies selective reduction in self-monitoring regions while ruling out arousal/attention as the explanation, exactly as the neuroscientist proposes. B, C, and D are background or tangential.