Final answer:
The switch to meditation involves decreased brain activity. The correct option is b.
Step-by-step explanation:
The switch to meditation involves decreased brain activity. Using fMRI, researchers have found that when individuals meditate, there is a decrease in the activity of certain areas of the brain.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measures changes in blood flow in the brain, specifically the consumption of oxygen by active nerve cells. The fMRI scans show a decrease in brain activity during meditation, indicating a state of relaxation and focus.
For example, a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine used fMRI to examine the brain activity of experienced meditators. The results showed decreased activity in the default mode network, which is associated with mind wandering and self-referential thinking.
Using fMRI, researchers have determined that the switch to meditation generally involves decreased brain activity in certain areas of the brain. While an fMRI can show increased activation in various brain regions during certain tasks, as depicted in various figures showing activation of the visual cortex, the overall shift when entering a meditative state tends to be towards reduction of activity. This reflects the calming and focusing effects of meditation, where certain sensory and cognitive processes may be quieter than during active task engagement.