The following text discusses neuroscience.
The teenage brain, neuroscience reveals, is not simply an adult brain in progress. The prefrontal cortex—responsible for judgment, planning, and impulse control—develops more slowly than limbic regions associated with emotion and reward. This asymmetry explains adolescent risk-taking: teens feel rewards intensely but lack fully developed brakes. Yet this developmental pattern serves purposes: heightened sensitivity to social acceptance and novel experiences may facilitate the independence young adults need. Understanding these patterns has implications for policies about driving age, criminal responsibility, and educational design.
What does the text suggest about adolescent brain development?
It is identical to adult brain development
Uneven development of different brain regions creates both risks and adaptive purposes
The prefrontal cortex develops faster than emotional regions
Neuroscience has no policy implications
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. The text describes asymmetrical development (prefrontal slower than limbic) creating risks but also notes this "serves purposes" for independence.
- Evidence: Asymmetry explains risk-taking; pattern also facilitates independence.
- Reasoning: Both negative (risk) and positive (adaptive) aspects exist.
- Conclusion: Uneven development creates contradictory effects.
Choice A is incorrect because the teen brain is "not simply an adult brain in progress." Choice C is incorrect because the prefrontal cortex "develops more slowly." Choice D is incorrect because implications for policy are explicitly noted.