A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

According to Eshel et al, how does brain activity in adults compare to adolescents during risky financial decisions?

1. Adults show less brain activity than adolescents

2. Adults show equal brain activity as adolescents

3. Adults show more brain activity than adolescents

4. Brain activity is non-existent in both groups

The correct answer is: Adults show more brain activity than adolescents

The correct answer highlights that adults display more brain activity than adolescents during risky financial decision-making. This distinction is rooted in the neurodevelopmental differences between the two groups. Adolescents are often characterized by heightened sensitivity to reward and risk, which can lead to more impulsive decision-making. While their brain regions associated with rewards may show significant activation, adults have already undergone neurodevelopment that enhances regulatory control and decision-making processes. Consequently, adults tend to engage additional brain regions associated with cognitive control and risk assessment, leading to overall greater brain activity when faced with similar financial risks. Research, including findings from Eshel et al., suggests that as individuals mature, the brain's increased capacity to assess risks, weigh consequences, and engage in reflective thinking becomes more pronounced. This change is indicative of a more developed prefrontal cortex in adults, which facilitates more comprehensive and deliberate processing of information when making financial decisions compared to adolescents.