Final answer:
Adolescence heralds major cognitive changes, marked by the development of abstract thinking, improved cognitive abilities, and maturation of the prefrontal cortex, facilitating enhanced executive functions and self-identity formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cognitive Changes of Adolescence
During the period of adolescence, significant cognitive changes take place as teens develop abilities similar to adults in terms of attention, memory, processing speed, and organization. By around the age of 15, they begin to demonstrate abstract thinking and can engage in logical reasoning, manage hypothetical situations, and partake in complex debates on various topics like politics and ethics.
The improvement in these cognitive functions is largely attributed to the brain becoming more efficient through synaptic pruning, where unused pathways are eliminated, and myelination, which increases connection speed between neurons. This enhancement in cognitive abilities supports their exploration of personal identity, independence, and understanding of complex social dynamics.
Teen thinking progresses as the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of the brain undergoes development. The PFC is involved in executive functions such as decision-making, planning, and impulse control, which continue to mature throughout adolescence. This developmental phase also aligns with Erikson's theory of identity versus role confusion, where adolescents work to answer fundamental questions of self-identity.
Overall, adolescence is marked by transformative cognitive development that is closely tied to the biological and psychosocial changes occurring during this life stage.