Question

1.

Why are adolescent researchers and others so interested in the prefrontal cortex when exploring

adolescent

development?

What do we know? What

can we

attribute

to the prefrontal cort

ex in terms of physical, social

and

cognitive development?

OR

2.

As pertains to cognitive, social and emotional development of tweens and teens, why is socialization so

important?

What is gained, learned and developed during socialization?

Your help will be much appreciated. I only have to submit one with three paragraphs.

Answer 1

Adoloscent researchers are interested in the prefrontal cortex when exploring adolescent development because prefrontal cortex is responsible for all the complex cognitive behavior and personality development. It is the rational part of the brain in adults. In adolescents, this part is still developing and is located in the frontal lobe. As it develops, adoloscent become good at thinking rationally, making good judgements, and controlling their impulses, aggression and so on. This part of the brain region goes through the most dramatic changes in adolescence period.

Adolescence in terms of cognitive development - Development in decision making and planning, taking risks, exposure to a variety of things contribute to a better development of personality. The brain works in a back to front manner because of the pruning of the synapses. So as it is developing, both prefrontal cortex and amygdala may be used back and forth in asoloscents.

Adolescence in terms of social and physical development -

Physical changes in appearance, voice, body hair and hitting of puberty contribute to the physical development. A more adult like appearence is somewhat observed. Social interaction or socializing with people leads to the social development of an adoloscent. Social interaction is important to avoid unwanted mental health disorders.