The following text discusses musical cognition.
Music perception involves both pattern recognition and emotional processing in neural circuits that partially overlap with language processing. Cross-cultural studies reveal remarkable consistency in basic musical elements—octave equivalence, preference for consonance—suggesting biological foundations. Yet musical systems vary enormously across cultures, indicating that cultural learning shapes perception significantly. The interplay between biological constraints and cultural elaboration remains a central research question.
Which choice best describes the function of the last sentence?
It resolves the apparent contradiction between biological and cultural factors.
It identifies the unresolved question framing the preceding discussion.
It provides new evidence supporting the biological perspective.
It introduces a completely different aspect of musical study.
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. The last sentence identifies the ongoing research question (biological-cultural interplay) that frames the preceding biological and cultural evidence.
- Evidence: The sentence states: "The interplay between biological constraints and cultural elaboration remains a central research question."
- Reasoning: It synthesizes the previous points (biology vs. culture) into a single unresolved inquiry.
- Conclusion: The function is to identify the unresolved question.
💡 Strategy: Look for "remains a central research question."
Choice A is incorrect because the question remains unresolved. Choice C is incorrect because it's a question, not evidence. Choice D is incorrect because it synthesizes previous points.