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Teens and decision making: what brain science reveals: do you ever act before thinking? Have you ever wondered why? Do you worry this might create problems? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, read on.(HEADS UP: REAL NEWS ABOUT DRUGS AND YOUR BODY)
- Article from:
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Scholastic Choices
- Article date:
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April 1, 2008
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Copyright informationCOPYRIGHT 2008 Scholastic, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Picture this: Your finger is poised on the send button, your eyes scanning an angry e-mail you've dashed off to a friend who has upset you. Some things you've written are a little harsh. In your brain a little red light goes off, but, what the heck, you're steamed and your friend deserves it. You push the button.
Whether you're aware or not, rushed decisions like this--acting before thinking it through--happen more often in teens than in adults. Recent discoveries in brain science may help explain why this is so.
First, a bit on how a brain makes decisions. Decisions don't "just happen" automatically in your conscious mind. They stem from a ...