To compare the arithmetic sequence formula \( a_n = 6 + (n - 1) \cdot 8 \) with a linear function, we can rewrite the arithmetic sequence formula in a more recognizable linear form.
Starting with: \[ a_n = 6 + (n - 1) \cdot 8 \]
Distribute the 8: \[ a_n = 6 + 8n - 8 \]
Combine like terms: \[ a_n = 8n - 2 \]
Now, we can see that the arithmetic sequence can be represented as a linear function: \[ y = 8x - 2 \]
Thus, the correct choice is: \[ \text{y = 8x - 2} \]