Question

A rat learns to press a lever when it receives a reinforcing item, such as a food pellet, upon each press. To learn the connection between the lever press and the receipt of the food pellet, the neurotransmitter ___________ is involved.

a. serotonin
b. norepinephrine
c. dopamine
d. acetylcholine
e. epinephrine

Answer 1

The answer is c. dopamine.

Step-by-step explanation:

Dopamine is both a neurotransmitter and a hormone. Among other things, it is reponsible for reward-behaviour association.

Although it is considered as a "pleasant" chemical by popular culture, some studies have shown that it influences our motivation to perform certain tasks, based on the possible outcomes. In other words, it helps us make decisions depending on their perceived positive or negative consequences.