Question

one of the characteristics of intellectual development in adolescent is inquisitive about adults, challenging their authority and always observing them

a)Discuss this characteristics and give an example

Answer 1

Adolescence is the time period in the person’s life which is small as compared to the previous, childhood, period, and post-adolescence periods like adult life. However, being for a quite time, adolescence is very much different from its previous and post periods of life. An individual experiences sudden changes in the body’s growth and development during this period. It consists of biological growth, an urge for self-identity, inquisitiveness, mature decision making, and realization of social responsibility. However, the inquisitiveness is very unique which opens the mind, prepares adolescents for innovative thoughts, and it enhances the cognitive activities as well. It is the initial triggering force to explore knowledge. Motivation to know more about the things and to practice is based on the inquisitive nature of adolescents where they counter-argue adults and closely observe them with the high interest. Some adolescents find their life goals from this stage after closely observing, exploring, or arguing something. It influences them a great and thus, some of these find the straight path to their success.

For example, an adolescent boy is excessively interested to know why and how the electric motor works. Therefore, he closely observes the machine for hours and the way the mechanic repairs the same. At the same time, this guy asks frequent questions pertaining to the electric motor and its functioning.

Inquisitiveness can also be negatively rooted. For example, an adolescent finds the new drug on the street without knowing the side effects and legal boundaries, that may make him a drug addict. Similarly, the adolescent may turn to unwanted and frequent sexual activities.