unit 4 Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is the primary difference in risk-taking behavior observed between adolescents and adults in real-world scenarios?
In real-world scenarios, adolescents are more likely than adults to engage in risky behaviors such as reckless driving, substance use, and antisocial behavior.
How do typical laboratory studies of risky decision-making differ from real-world situations for adolescents, according to the authors?
Typical laboratory studies often present individual adolescents with hypothetical dilemmas under low emotional arousal, while real-world decisions are not hypothetical, involve emotional arousal, and are often made in peer groups.
The study highlights two main explanations for age differences in real-world risk-taking. Briefly describe one of these explanations.
One explanation is that age differences in psychosocial capacities like impulse control or sensation seeking play a role. Another entirely compatible account emphasizes the role of peer influence, suggesting adolescents are more susceptible to risk-prone peers
What phenomenon, observed in previous research, suggests that individuals might take more risks when in groups than alone?
the phenomenon is known as the “risky shift,” where individuals tend to take more risks in groups than when alone.
Describe the “Chicken” video game used in the study and how it measured risk taking.
The “Chicken” game required participants to decide when to stop a car moving across a screen after a yellow light appeared to avoid crashing. Longer moving times and more restarts indicated greater risk taking.
How was risk preference measured in the Gardner & Steinberg study?
Risk preference was assessed using a modified version of the Benthin Risk Perception Measure (BRPM), which asked participants to rate whether the benefits outweighed the risks in hypothetical risky scenarios.
The study measured risky decision-making using hypothetical dilemmas. What factor was varied within these dilemmas to assess decision-making?
The hypothetical dilemmas for risky decision-making varied the likelihood of negative consequences to assess decisions under uncertainty or risk
What was one significant finding regarding the effect of peer presence on risk-taking across the different age groups?
Peer effects on risk taking were stronger among adolescents and youths compared to adults, meaning younger individuals took more risks in peer groups than when alone, while this effect was less pronounced in older adults.
Briefly describe one gender difference observed in the study’s findings.
Males, particularly at younger ages, were more likely than females to weigh the benefits of risky activities over the costs. Also, peer effects on cost-benefit consideration were greater among males than females.
What was one significant finding regarding ethnic differences in risk orientation within the study?
The study found differences between White and non-White participants in risk taking, risk preference, and risky decision making, particularly among adolescents. For instance, non-White adolescents took more risks and demonstrated a greater preference for risk than White adolescents.
What social changes led to the rise of adolescent peer groups in society?
Compulsory schooling, urbanization, and the baby boom increased the youth population and peer interaction.
why are peer groups important during adolescence?
They help teens develop identity, autonomy, and essential social skills.
They help teens develop identity, autonomy, and essential social skills.
They are more age-segregated, more gender-segregated early on, and have stronger influence on behavior and identity.
What is a clique?
A small, close-knit group of friends who interact frequently
What is a crowd?
A larger, reputation-based group that provides social identity but not necessarily close friendships.
How do cliques change during adolescence?
Early on, cliques are same-sex; by mid-adolescence, they become more mixed-gender.
What role do crowds play in adolescent development?
They serve as reference groups and help adolescents form social identity.
What is the “social map” of adolescence?
A mental structure showing where individuals and crowds fit in the peer status hierarchy.
How are clique members typically similar?
In age, gender, ethnicity, and interests.
What are the two processes behind similarity in friendships?
Selection (choosing similar friends) and socialization (becoming more similar over time).
What traits are linked to popularity in adolescence?
Social competence, confidence, physical attractiveness, and prosocial behavior.
What are common reasons for peer rejection?
Aggressiveness, withdrawal, and poor social skills.
What is relational aggression?
Harm done through manipulation or damage to relationships, such as gossip or exclusion.
Who are bullies and victims?
Bullies use aggression to dominate others; victims are often withdrawn or insecure and targeted by bullies.
