Question

We watched Lawrence Steinberg, a developmental psychologist discuss the impact of peers on risk taking behavior. Which statement below is most accurate about the cognitive effect on adolescents of having friends nearby?

A. The presence of peers activates the brain's systems that are in "the reward circuit in kids," and continues into the late twenties, into adulthood.
B. When a teenager is with his or her friends, a risky decision has more rewarding aspects but he or she is less likely to make that risky decision.
C. When a teenager is with his or her friends, they are more likely to make and pursue the risky decision rather than be risk averse
D. The presence of friends is important to adolescents when making decisions, but peer presence does not provide a significant impact to the teenage cognitive processes

Answer 1

The most accurate statement about the cognitive effect on adolescents of having friends nearby is ` When a teenager is with his or her friends, they are more likely to make and pursue the risky decision rather than be risk averse`

The answer is option ⇒C

Step-by-step explanation:

When a teenager is with his or her friends, they are more likely to make and pursue the risky decision rather than be risk averse. This is because the presence of peers influences adolescent behavior and can lead to increased risk-taking.

Here are some key points to support the statement:

• 1. Peer influence: Adolescents are highly influenced by their peers and social interactions. Being with friends can have a cognitive effect on their decision-making processes.
• 2. Risk-taking behavior: Research suggests that when adolescents are with their friends, they may be more likely to engage in risky behavior. This can be due to factors such as peer pressure, the desire for acceptance, or the belief that risky behaviors are more exciting or rewarding in a social context.
• 3. Risk aversion: On the other hand, it is also important to recognize that not all adolescents exhibit the same patterns of decision-making. Some individuals may be more risk-averse and less influenced by their friends when it comes to making risky decisions.
• 4. Individual differences: Cognitive effects on decision-making can vary among adolescents depending on their personality traits, values, and past experiences. Some individuals may be more susceptible to peer influence, while others may have stronger internal control or different priorities that lead to more cautious decision-making.

The answer is option ⇒C