Child- Barkely Levenson

Question 1

timescale

Answer 1

birth- limbic system underdeveloped
toddler- cerebal cortex develops so memories
exuberance= more nerves in brain
adolescence- grey matter is at peak, then a decrease in density aka synaptic pruning
- early 20s maturation

Question 2

what is the last for pruning

Answer 2

pre- frontal cortex

when developed gives us a more abstract and mature brain

Question 3

risk taking

Answer 3

• decisions harder as a teen
• more prone to impulse like dangerous driving
• because limbic system (emotions) develops earlier than PFC (common sense)
• more decisions under social influence
• the VS = rewards
• VS early maturation so cant manage risk with no PFC

Question 4

biological intervention

Answer 4

a stressful childhood results in less serotonin in the cerebral spinal fluid – which in turn lead to impulsive behaviour. Therefore, Old (1998) wanted to develop a programme for parents.

Nurses visited expectant mothers before the birth and provided training for parents on how to cope with stress . Results showed that the children performed better in school and experienced fewer psychiatric symptoms, and in particular showed lower rates of conduct disorder ( a group of behavioral and emotional problems), which could result in impulsivity.

Question 5

education into risks

Answer 5

Providing an age-appropriate curriculum, covering risky behaviours could be beneficial in highlighting dangerous behaviours. One example of a programme was a driving programme in the USA. McCartt (2003) implemented a system whereby, young people were not allowed a full licence until they completed a probationary period during which their driving rights were restricted e.g. not being able to drive at night. This programme saw a significant reduction in crashes of young drivers.

Question 6

social conformity

Answer 6

Peer pressure increases the reward of taking risks, making the risk seem more worth it to take. Ensuring that young people have positive social networks can ensure they are protected against risky behaviours.

Question 7

aim

Answer 7

do teens attach more value to objects than adults do

development EV

Question 8

sample

Answer 8

via posters
22 teens 13-17
19 adults 25-30
right handed

Question 9

design

Answer 9

IV= age/ teen / adult
DV= behaviour and neural activation

Question 10

method

Answer 10

1. fmri to reduce novelty factor
2. each ptt given $20 spending money
3. lose a game lose money vice versa
4. at the end they got to play what they gambled
5. spinner with EV calculated and spinner with a 50% probability of landing on either side

Question 11

results

Answer 11

similar gambling when non- profitable or low EV

hyperactive reward sensitivity, evolutionary

increasing EV low risk meant more gambles in teens

higher VS activation in teens when high EV

Question 12

conclusions

Answer 12

high activation in VS in more risks

neural difference change with age

teens place a higher value on rewards