Fifteen-Year-Old Randall Was a Participant in a Research Study on Risk

Essay

Fifteen-year-old Randall was a participant in a research study on risk taking. According to his answers on the survey, Randall understands the dangers of drinking and driving, having unprotected sex, and using marijuana. However, at a party last week, Randall was seen smoking marijuana and getting into a car with an intoxicated driver. How would you explain this inconsistency in Randall's behavior in terms of the physical aspects of brain development? Obviously, he knows the right answers, yet he engages in risky behavior.