A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

During what age range is the maturation of the prefrontal cortex suggested to continue?

1. Late teens

2. Early twenties

3. Mid-twenties

4. Through adolescence

The correct answer is: Early twenties

The maturation of the prefrontal cortex is suggested to continue into the early twenties, making this the correct choice. This brain region is crucial for higher-level cognitive functions such as decision-making, impulse control, and reasoning. Research indicates that the prefrontal cortex undergoes extensive development during late adolescence and continues to mature well into a person's twenties. This maturation process is essential for the development of advanced executive functions and contributes to more sophisticated thinking and emotional regulation. While late teens and mid-twenties may seem plausible age ranges, they do not accurately capture the full extent of the maturation timeline. The prefrontal cortex's most significant changes and refinements typically occur leading up to and during the early twenties rather than being completed by late adolescence or extending into the mid-twenties. The option that suggests development through adolescence does not account for the ongoing changes that occur after this stage, particularly emphasizing the continuing maturation in early adulthood.