01:830:333 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Homo Economicus, Decision-Making, Synaptic Pruning

• School: Rutgers University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: 01:830:333
• Professor: Professor Mayhew

Document Summary

Lecture 9 - cognitive changes, brain changes, effects. Areas of the brain with changes in adolescence. The prefrontal cortex higher cognitive functions (judging, evaluating, reasoning, deciding, etc. ) The limbic system part of the brain that has a role in emotional experience, & memory. The cerebellum sub brain part at the bottom of the hemispheres not sure the significance for adolescent behavior. Changes in the prefrontal cortex (pfc) improve efficiency of info-processing: Full maturation between adolescence and early adulthood prefrontal cortex purpose. Working memory is dependent on the prefrontal cortex so working memory improves (piaget) Limbic system: emotion, drives, wants, rewards, etc. Changes in levels of neurotransmitters in limbic system (reward system) Higher reward levels needed for equivalent reward-feeling same stimulation = less reward adolescence want more reward & things that used to be exciting are less. Adolescent development 9-2 so why they were interested in thrill-seeking activities deep interest in stimulation & excitement.