Brain immaturity during adolescence could explain why some teenagers fail to respond to incentives such as cash rewards.
Adults are good at putting maximum mental effort into the things that matter most.
But, brain circuits are still developing in teenagers, making it harder for them to tackle meeting their goals, say US psychologists.
Attempts to improve student grades with money have had mixed success.
The research, published in the journal, Nature Communications, shows that brain connectivity continues to develop throughout adolescence, affecting teenagers' ability to perform when the stakes are high.
In the study, researchers at Harvard University used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which measures brain activity by detecting changes linked to blood flow.
Young people, aged 13 to 20, were brain scanned while they played a computer game.
They played for high stakes, when they could earn $1 for correct responses or lose 50 cents for incorrect responses, and for low stakes, when they could earn 20 cents or lose 10 cents.
Lead researcher Katie Insel said older adolescents were able to boost their performance when the stakes were high.
However, younger adolescents performed similarly for low and high stakes outcomes.
''These findings demonstrate that brain connectivity continues to develop across adolescence,'' she told BBC News.
''This means that as teens age, they become better at adjusting brain connectivity across motivational contexts, which in turn allows them to do better when working towards a high-value goal.''
Past studies have shown that connections between different parts of the growing brain take years to develop.
The last bit of the brain to reach full maturity is the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for things like planning, controlling emotions and empathy.
Follow Helen on Twitter.
426495 346228Glad to be one of several visitors on this awing site : D. 989591
425932 944135I dont normally look at these kinds of internet sites (Im a pretty shy person) – but even though I was a bit shocked as I was reading, I was undoubtedly a bit excited as properly. Thanks for giving me a big smile for the day 567484
133119 436694This internet site is my intake , real very good layout and perfect topic material . 659075
466707 925793If running proves to be a difficulty then it could be wise to locate alternative exercises such as circuit training, weight training, swimming or cycling. 863561
Hi! I’ve been following your site for a while now and finally got the
bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from
Austin Tx! Just wanted to say keep up the excellent job!
Feel free to surf to my website – monster army
These are truly great ideas in about blogging. You have touched some good factors here.
Any way keep up wrinting.
Here is my site certificate in leadership
Thanks for every other magnificent post. The place else could
anyone get that type of info in such an ideal method of writing?
I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I am on the look for such information.
Here is my web-site … government security courses
Hi! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some
targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good gains. If you know of any please share.
Appreciate it!
Here is my blog post: white card brisbane
Very shortly this web site will be famous among all blogging visitors, due to it’s nice posts
Feel free to surf to my web-site diploma of work health and safety
Just desire to say your article is as astonishing.
The clarity in your post is just nice and i could assume you
are an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission let
me to grab your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post.
Thanks a million and please keep up the gratifying work.
Here is my blog companies that support veterans
Hello! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog.
Is it very difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not
very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick.
I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m not sure where to start.
Do you have any ideas or suggestions? With thanks
Take a look at my webpage reconciliation action plan
Someone necessarily help to make seriously posts I
might state. This is the very first time I frequented your web page and
to this point? I amazed with the research you made to create this particular post incredible.
Great activity!
Here is my web blog: aboriginal training and consulting services
Hello would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re
utilizing? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different
browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most.
Can you suggest a good hosting provider at a honest price?
Cheers, I appreciate it!
my page … australian aboriginal art
We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
Your web site provided us with valuable info to work on. You’ve done
a formidable job and our entire community will be grateful
to you.
Look at my web-site; help veterans
Hi there mates, its wonderful article concerning educationand fully defined, keep it up all the time.
Also visit my blog post … teething toys for babies
With everything that appears to be building within this specific subject material, a significant percentage of viewpoints are generally very exciting. Even so, I appologize, because I do not give credence to your whole idea, all be it exhilarating none the less. It seems to everybody that your opinions are not completely validated and in fact you are generally your self not entirely convinced of your point. In any case I did enjoy looking at it.
Hi, Neat post. There is an issue together with your web
site in web explorer, might test this? IE nonetheless is the marketplace chief and a good element of
people will miss your great writing because of this problem.
Also visit my web page; baby bowl and spoon
I couldn’t resist commenting. Exceptionally well written!
Feel free to visit my website – early learning toys for 1 year old
Magnificent web site. Lots of useful info here. I’m sending it to a few pals
ans also sharing in delicious. And of course, thank you in your sweat!
Also visit my blog :: ambbetx
I really like reading through an article that will make men and women think.
Also, many thanks for allowing me to comment!
my web page – ambbet
Touche. Solid arguments. Keep up the amazing work.
Feel free to surf to my page … ambbet
787595 32908This web page is known as a stroll-by for all the info you wished about this and didnt know who to ask. Glimpse correct here, and youll positively discover it. 138621