Resolving ambiguity: Broadening the consideration of risky decision making over adolescent development

• Risk-taking is a multifactorial construct that can be dissociated into economic risk and ambiguity, each supported by distinct neural mechanisms. How ambiguity aversion develops over adolescence remains largely unknown. Ambiguity relate to everyday risk-taking in different ways. We propose renewed focus on research adolescent risk-taking. Popular culture often portrays as period of peak risk-taking, but developmental trend not consistently found across laboratory studies. Instead, meta -analytic evidence shows while adolescents take more risks compared adults, children actually similar levels risk. Furthermore, trajectories vary measures decision making risky behavior. Indeed, the psychological concept “risk” multifactorial, such its factors exhibit trajectories. Here, we examine how preference, or propensity gamble uncertain outcomes with known probabilities, from unknown probabilities -- may differentially influence making. Economic engages mechanisms – both adults relates However, date, it elusive adolescence, relative paucity work limits conclusions drawn. should consider component within This will set stage for future preferences an explanatory mechanism behaviors beyond taking, learning prosocial