Adolescence Flashcards
(19 cards)
What is the cognitive development stage in adolescence?
Adolescents enter the Formal Operational Stage, characterized by logical and abstract thinking.
When does fluid intelligence peak?
Fluid intelligence reaches its highest point between 16-20 years, then slowly declines.
(Schaie, 2005)
What are Piaget’s stages of cognitive development?
- Sensorimotor: 0-2 years
- Preoperational: 2-7 years
- Concrete Operational: 7-12 years
- Formal Operational: 12+ years
What is a key feature of the Formal Operational Stage?
Hypothetical abstract thinking.
What is the Pendulum Problem?
A task where formal operational adolescents use the scientific method by testing one variable at a time.
What does the Wason Selection Task demonstrate?
It shows that formal reasoning can be difficult even for adults.
(Wason, 1966)
What is a notable behavior in adolescents despite good reasoning?
Adolescents exhibit increased risk-taking, sensation-seeking, and impulsivity.
What biological changes occur during puberty?
Puberty (11-14 years) involves hormonal changes (testosterone, estrogen) leading to secondary sex characteristics.
At what age does risk-taking peak in females?
Risk-taking peaks at 17 years post-menarche, coinciding with female fertility.
What is the link between testosterone and risk-taking in boys?
Testosterone is linked to sensation seeking in boys.
(Peper et al. 2013)
What is the link between testosterone and risk-taking in girls?
Testosterone is linked to profitable risk-taking in girls.
(Peper et al. 2013)
What happens to the brain during adolescence?
The brain reaches adult size but undergoes major reorganization.
(Steinberg, 2008)
What is the effect of dopamine surge during adolescence?
Dopamine surge leads to increased reward sensitivity.
(Steinberg, 2008)
How do adolescents respond to unexpected rewards?
Adolescents show a stronger dopamine response to unexpected rewards.
(Cohen et al, 2000)
What develops later in adolescents that improves impulse control?
The prefrontal cortex matures late, improving impulse control over time.
How do adolescents typically make decisions?
Adolescents are more emotionally-driven decision-makers.
What effect does peer presence have on risk-taking?
Peer presence amplifies risk-taking behavior in adolescents.
(Gardner & Steinberg, 2005)
What influences substance use and behavior in adolescents?
Peer groups drive substance use, sexual behavior, and crime.
(Simons-Morton et al, 2005)
What was observed in the Chicken Game study regarding peers?
The presence of peers leads to greater limbic system activation.
