During her flight to Chicago, Ariel's plane experienced severe turbulence. As a result, Ariel became sick to her stomach. Ariel's sickness may be best explained by

• A. the role of the kinesthetic sense.
• B. her mother, who fed her before she left.
• C. the sensory conflict theory.
• D. the action of the proprioceptors.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context: Ariel experienced severe turbulence during her flight, which led to her feeling sick. This situation involves sensory experiences and how they are processed by the brain.
2. Identify the key concept: The problem mentions 'sensory conflict theory,' which is crucial to understanding Ariel's sickness.
3. Explain sensory conflict theory: This theory suggests that motion sickness occurs when there is a mismatch between the sensory information received by the eyes, the inner ear (vestibular system), and proprioceptors (sensors in muscles and joints).
4. Apply the theory to the situation: During turbulence, Ariel's inner ear detects motion, but her eyes may not perceive the same level of movement if she is focused on a stationary object inside the plane. This sensory mismatch can lead to motion sickness.
5. Conclude the explanation: Ariel's sickness is best explained by the sensory conflict theory, as it accounts for the conflicting sensory inputs she experienced during the turbulence.