A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

Which of the following statements describes the behavior of adolescents compared to adults in gambling scenarios?

1. Adolescents consistently take greater risks than adults.

2. Adolescents behave similarly to adults when there is no risk involved.

3. Adolescents accept gambles with negative expected value more frequently.

4. Adolescents are significantly faster in their decision-making process.

The correct answer is: Adolescents behave similarly to adults when there is no risk involved.

The statement that accurately describes adolescent behavior in gambling scenarios is that adolescents accept gambles with negative expected value more frequently. This highlights a key characteristic of adolescent decision-making, which is often influenced by a combination of impulsivity, peer pressure, and a propensity for risk-taking. Research indicates that adolescents are more likely to engage in risky behaviors and make decisions that may not align with optimal strategies, such as accepting bets that are statistically unfavorable. This behavior contrasts with adults, who are generally more cautious and capable of evaluating the long-term consequences of their decisions based on experience. While adolescents may display similarities to adults in low-risk situations, the tendency to choose unfavorable gambles illustrates a distinctive difference in risk perception and decision-making processes between the two age groups. By acknowledging the greater inclination of adolescents to take risks, particularly in gambling contexts, we can better understand the developmental factors that influence their choices.