Cognitive Development Adolescence

Conceptions of Adolescence Biological perspective (G. Stanley Hall) Biological perspective (G. Stanley Hall) –Biologically-determined period of “storm-and-stress” –Physical changes create psychological conflict Social perspective (Margaret Mead) Social perspective (Margaret Mead) –Turmoil not typical: 2% increase in problems –Cultural research suggest turmoil is socially determined Both nature and nurture!

When does adolescence begin & end? Puberty is the physical transition to adulthood Puberty is the physical transition to adulthood –Around 11 or 12 yrs –Girls 2 yrs before boys Industrialized nations: Industrialized nations: –Early:11-14 –Middle:14-18 –Late:18-21 –Emerging adults: 21 to ?? Non-industrialized societies have shorter transition to adulthood Non-industrialized societies have shorter transition to adulthood Do you like being labeled as an adolescent?

Piaget’s Theory Formal operational stage (12+) Hypothetico-deductive reasoning: develop general theory & deduce specific hypotheses Hypothetico-deductive reasoning: develop general theory & deduce specific hypotheses –Task: pendulum problem What influences the speed with which a pendulum swings?

Piaget’s Theory Formal operational stage (12+) Hypothetico-deductive reasoning: develop general theory & deduce specific hypotheses Hypothetico-deductive reasoning: develop general theory & deduce specific hypotheses –Task: pendulum problem Hypotheses 1.Length of string 2.Weight of object 3.Height of object 4.Force on object What influences the speed with which a pendulum swings? Adolescents vary one factor at a time while holding others constant School-aged children unsystematic & do not notice all possibilities

Piaget’s Theory Formal operational stage (12+) Propositional thought: assess logic of verbal statements without real-world circumstances Propositional thought: assess logic of verbal statements without real-world circumstances –Task: Poker chip problem Are the following statements true, false, or are you uncertain? 1.Either the chip behind the box is green or it is not green. 2.The chip behind the box is green and it is not green. TrueFalseUncertainUncertain

Piaget’s Theory Formal operational stage (12+) Propositional thought: assess logic of verbal statements without real-world circumstances Propositional thought: assess logic of verbal statements without real-world circumstances –Task: Poker chip problem Are the following statements true, false, or are you uncertain? 1.Either the chip is green or it is not green. 2.The chip is green and it is not green. TrueFalseTrueTrue

Limitation of Theory Are all people capable of formal operations? 40-60% of college students fail tasks 40-60% of college students fail tasks Experience with the subject matter Experience with the subject matter –Village & tribal societies less likely to master formal operations Piaget’s theory is not completely correct! ** Scientific Reasoning** What influences chances of solving tasks?

Consequences of Abstract Thought Argumentativeness: use facts, ideas, & hypotheses to build one’s “case” Argumentativeness: use facts, ideas, & hypotheses to build one’s “case” –Can promote cognitive development via scaffolding Self-consciousness & self-focusing: reflect on own thoughts, make & evaluate judgments Self-consciousness & self-focusing: reflect on own thoughts, make & evaluate judgments –Imaginary audience –Personal fable

Why do adolescents say… “It wont happen to me.” “It wont happen to me.” “Everyone is looking at me!” “Everyone is looking at me!” “Mom, you don’t understand.” “Mom, you don’t understand.” Personal fable Personal fable Imaginary audience Imaginary audience Personal fable Personal fable

Consequences of Abstract Thought Idealism & criticism: enables them to define own values but also criticize others Idealism & criticism: enables them to define own values but also criticize others –Sometimes go to the extreme Planning & decision making: monitor own behavior & evaluate options, but… Planning & decision making: monitor own behavior & evaluate options, but… –Too many options are difficult to handle –Poor or risky decision making can occur ** Gender differences & learning in school **

Video: Inside the Teenage Brain What part of the brain is still developing in adolescence? What part of the brain is still developing in adolescence? What are the behavioral outcomes of brain development? What are the behavioral outcomes of brain development? Why do adolescence feel misunderstood? Why do adolescence feel misunderstood? Describe adolescent sleep patterns and how it affect daily life? Describe adolescent sleep patterns and how it affect daily life?