Final answer:
Zoe's feelings of happiness and motivation are influenced by the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and epinephrine, which are associated with well-being, pleasure, motivation, and energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Zoe receives a good grade and positive feedback on her psychology assignment, her brain contributes to her feelings of happiness and motivation through the release of specific neurotransmitters. These chemical messengers include serotonin, which is associated with well-being and happiness; dopamine, related to pleasure and motivation; and epinephrine (also known as adrenaline), which can enhance alertness and energy levels.
Positive events, such as academic success, can stimulate the brain's pleasure center, leading to the release of these neurotransmitters. This release causes a feeling of happiness and can increase motivation and energy. When neurotransmitter levels are balanced, cognition, which includes processes related to learning and decision making, functions optimally. Conversely, imbalances in these neurotransmitters can lead to psychological disorders, but medications known as psychotropic drugs aim to restore this balance and alleviate symptoms.
Moreover, the involvement of neurotransmitters in cognition extends to memory, with dopamine and serotonin, among others, playing roles in memory processes. The continual activity of neurons and neurotransmitter release in the synapses are fundamental for memory consolidation.