Chapter 3: Decision-Making

Question 1

• an approach to understanding adolescent risk-taking, in which behaviors are seen as the outcome of systematic decision-making processes (i.e., logical thinking)
• Most aimed at how we make decisions regarding risk taking. ( for example skipping school)

Answer 1

Behavioral decision theory.

Question 2

Emotional influences on risk taking:

Answer 2

• Reward Seeking:
• Sensation (Thrill) Seeking:
• Orientation toward Present (vs. Future):

Question 3

Behavioral decision theory:

Answer 3

Confirmed that adolescents can think logically

New results showed adolescents can & do think about possible CONSEQUENCES…

However, adolescents may still make unwise decisions… WHY??

Question 4

Brain’s limbic system (dopamine)

Answer 4

Reward seeking emotional influence on risk taking.

Question 5

Pursuing new and intense experiences

Answer 5

Sensation (thrill) seeking emotional influence on risk taking.

Question 6

More focused on the moment (immediate benefits) instead of future (negative consequences)

Answer 6

Orientation toward present (vs. future) emotional influence on risk taking.