Final answer:
The correct answer is d) Reviewed brain activity during retrieval. An fMRI provides a map of active brain regions, detecting changes in cells' oxygen consumption due to neural activity during tasks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Researchers using fMRI to evaluate neural areas correlated with successful memory functioning measured brain activity during encoding and then conducted memory tests on participants. After these steps, the correct continuation of the sequence in the research process would be d) Review brain activity during retrieval. An fMRI is capable of generating a map of the most active brain areas, showing changes in blood flow associated with neural activity as tasks are being performed. When active, nerve cells consume more oxygen, leading to changes in the magnetic properties of blood hemoglobin. These changes are what fMRI detects, revealing areas of increased brain activity.