Question

According to research on characteristics of adolescent friendships, which of the following teenagers are most likely to be friends?

a. Maggie, who comes from an affluent family, and Claire, who comes from a low-SES family

b. Theo, who is African American, and Tanner, who is Caucasian

c. Nate and Parker, who are both high-achieving students in the tenth grade

d. Angela and Andrew, who live in different cities and met at a mutual friend's graduation party

Answer 1

Nate and Parker, who are both high-achieving students in the tenth grade, are most likely to be friends, as research shows that teenagers tend to befriend those with similar interests, achievements, and backgrounds.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to research on characteristics of adolescent friendships, Nate and Parker, who are both high-achieving students in the tenth grade, are most likely to be friends. This is because adolescents tend to form friendships with peers who share similar interests and achievements. Research suggests that factors such as common academic standing, similar backgrounds, and shared activities contribute significantly to the formation of friendships during adolescence. Adolescents pulling away from their parents and the increasing importance of peer groups in identity formation further cement these tendencies.

Considering that teens spend more time with one another and that similar socio-economic status (SES) and academic interests often lead to stronger bonds, teens from different SES backgrounds or who meet sporadically, like at a party, are less likely to develop a close friendship compared to those that have more in common and interact on a consistent basis. Homophily, the tendency for people to associate and bond with similar others, plays a key role in the friendship dynamics of adolescents.