The following text discusses neuroscience.
Mirror neurons fire both when we perform an action and when we observe someone else performing that action. Discovered in macaque monkeys in the 1990s, these neurons have been proposed as the neural basis for empathy, imitation, and understanding others' intentions. Some researchers suggest mirror neuron dysfunction might contribute to autism spectrum disorders. However, the excitement has outpaced the evidence; many claims about mirror neurons in humans remain speculative, as directly studying them in people requires invasive methods rarely justified ethically.
What does the text suggest about mirror neuron research?
All claims about mirror neurons have been definitively proven
Promising theories exist but many claims remain unverified in humans
Mirror neurons have only been studied in humans
Researchers have lost interest in studying mirror neurons
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. The text presents proposals (empathy, autism) but notes "excitement has outpaced the evidence" and claims "remain speculative."
- Evidence: Theories proposed but evidence gaps acknowledged.
- Reasoning: Ethical limits on human research prevent verification.
- Conclusion: Promising but unproven describes the current state.
Choice A is incorrect because claims "remain speculative." Choice C is incorrect because they were discovered in monkeys. Choice D is incorrect because active research continues.