The Adolescent Brain

What is the main focus of the speaker's research?

• The development of the adolescent brain

• The effects of sugar on the brain

• The role of the prefrontal cortex in decision-making

• The benefits of risk-taking in adolescence

Answer explanation

The question asks about the primary area of the speaker's research. Given the options, we can deduce that the area of research is specific to the brain. The correct answer, 'the development of the adolescent brain', clearly indicates that the speaker's research concentrates on understanding how the brain develops during adolescence.

Which brain region helps regulate behavior and emotions?

• Prefrontal cortex

• Striatum

• Frontal lobe

• Temporal lobe

Answer explanation

The prefrontal cortex, the correct answer, is a region of the brain that plays a vital role in regulating behavior and emotions. It is involved in decision-making, personality expression, and moderating social behavior. The other options, while important, do not have the same degree of influence over behavior and emotions.

What is the function of the prefrontal cortex?

• To seek out new experiences

• To recognize social and emotional information

• To think about the consequences of actions

• To release dopamine in response to rewards

Answer explanation

The prefrontal cortex is involved in a variety of complex behaviors, including planning, decision making and moderating social behavior. The correct option, 'To think about the consequences of actions', aligns with this role as it implies understanding the outcomes of one's decisions and actions, which is a part of the planning process managed by the prefrontal cortex.

What is the key component of the reward system in the brain?

• Prefrontal cortex

• Temporal lobe

• Striatum

• Frontal lobe

Answer explanation

The key component of the reward system in the brain is the striatum. It is part of the basal ganglia and plays a significant role in processing rewards. The other options, prefrontal cortex, temporal lobe, and frontal lobe, are part of the brain but don't have the same role in reward processing as the striatum does.

What did the study find about the teenage brain's response to sugar?

• Teenagers were less excited than adults

• Teenagers were more excited than adults

• Teenagers and adults had the same level of excitement

• Teenagers did not find sugar rewarding

Answer explanation

The study found a varying response in the teenage brain compared to the adult brain when exposed to sugar. The teenagers displayed a stronger reaction, indicating that their brains were more excited by sugar than adults. This aligns with the correct option 'Teenagers were more excited than adults'.

What did the study find about the teenage brain's response to money?

• Teenagers were less reactive than adults

• Teenagers were more reactive than adults

• Teenagers and adults had the same level of reactivity

• Teenagers did not find money rewarding

Answer explanation

The study conducted found that the teenage brain's response to money was more intense compared to adults. This suggests that teenagers have a higher reactivity towards monetary rewards, which is reflected in the correct answer.

What does the speaker predict about the sensitivity of the teenage brain?

• It leads to poor decision-making

• It decreases during adolescence

• It promotes creative thinking

• It is a disadvantage in adulthood

Answer explanation

The statement predicts the sensitivity of the teenage brain to be promoting creative thinking. This is inferred from the fact that the correct answer choice to the question was 'It promotes creative thinking'. This option suggests that as the brain matures during adolescence, it enhances the capacity for creative thought.

What is one potential benefit of the teenage brain's sensitivity to rewards and emotions?

• Making poor choices

• Seeking out new adventures

• Avoiding challenges

• Regulating emotional responses

Answer explanation

The teenage brain's sensitivity to rewards and emotions can often lead to a heightened desire to seek out new adventures. This sensitivity can increase the motivation to explore and discover novel experiences, which is crucial for learning and development. This explains why 'Seeking out new adventures' is the correct answer to the question.