After Bernadette is in a car accident, she is extra friendly to people she meets. In fact, she does not seem to realize when she might be revealing personal information to untrustworthy strangers. This information suggests that Bernadette may have brain damage in her a. right prefrontal cortex b. left prefrontal cortex c. amygdala d. thalamus

Short Answer

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Based on Bernadette's change in behavior involving trustworthiness evaluation and social behavior regulation, the most plausible explanation for her brain damage is the amygdala (option c).

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the function of right and left prefrontal cortex

The prefrontal cortex is responsible for higher cognitive functions such as decision-making, social behavior, and personality expression. The right and left prefrontal cortex have different functions - the right prefrontal cortex is more involved in emotional processing, while the left prefrontal cortex is more involved in logical reasoning and language processing.
02

Understanding the function of the amygdala

The amygdala is a small, almond-shaped structure located deep in the brain, and it plays a key role in processing emotions, social interactions, and fear responses. It is responsible for evaluating whether a person or situation is trustworthy and helps regulate appropriate social behavior.
03

Understanding the function of the thalamus

The thalamus is a small structure located in the center of the brain, and it serves as a relay station, transmitting sensory and motor signals to the cortex and regulating sleep and consciousness.
04

Analyzing the scenario and choosing the best answer

Based on the details given and the functions of each part of the brain, the most plausible explanation for Bernadette's change in behavior would be damage to the amygdala. Damage to this area could impair her ability to evaluate trustworthiness in others and regulate her social behavior, thus leading her to be overly friendly and revealing personal information to untrustworthy strangers. In conclusion, the correct answer would be: c. amygdala

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