Infographic "Visualizing Development: Thinking in Adulthood."
Text at the top of the infographic reads, "In adulthood, we are able to think both intuitively and analytically, but adolescents tend to rely more on intuitive thinking."
The first (top) portion of the infographic is entitled "Inductive vs. Deductive Reasoning."
To the left text reads, "INDUCTIVE: Conclusion reached after many of the following. Note that the problem is that the adolescent’s nimble mind can rationalize many specifics. Only when the evidence is overwhelming is the conclusion reached." It is followed by four points. They are as follows. (1) IDEAS FROM AUTHORITY - Mom says drugs are bad (but Mom may not know). My religion says drugs are sinful (but religion may not be right). (2) OBSERVATION - A relative smoked cigarettes and died of lung cancer (but he was old). A friend crashed a car when drunk (but he was speeding). A fellow student was arrested for having cocaine (he shouldn’t have carried it). (3) PAST EXPERIENCES - Personally smoked a few cigarettes; now want more (maybe try other drugs). Got drunk, threw up, blacked out (maybe stick to beer). (4) General Conclusion - (a thought bubble from this title reads, "Drug addiction is destructive.") An arrow from each of the above points lead to an lightbulb.
To the right text reads, "DEDUCTIVE: The principle is the starting point, not the end point." It shows an image of a light bulb followed by a single line with sequential points extends downward as follows. (1) General Principle - (a thought bubble from this title reads, "Drug addiction is destructive.") (2) APPLICATION - Say no to every drug. (3) EXAMPLE - Stay away from drug users; they are losers. (4) HYPOTHETICAL CASE - If I use drugs, I won’t get into the college I want. (5) EXTENSION - Reliance on substances of any kind is suspect; avoid energy drinks, e-cigs, etc. (6) TEST CASE - Sports hero used steroids; was stripped of his Olympic medals.
The second section (bottom) is entitled, "Changes in Age." There is a photograph of a young girl with text on either side. Text on the left reads, "Intuitive Thinking. Younger Age. This singer is cute and fun = I'll listen to her." Text on the right reads, "Analytical thinking. Older Age. This singer is very popular + She sometimes writes her own songs + She makes creative videos + I agree with her morals = I'll listen to her." Followed by the text that reads, "As people age, their thinking tends to move from intuitive processing to more analytic processing. Virtually all cognitive psychologists note these two alternative processes and describe a developmental progression toward more dispassionate logic with maturity. However, the terms used and the boundaries between the two vary. They are roughly analogous to the traditional distinction between inductive and deductive reasoning, and to Piaget’s concrete operational versus formal operational thought. Although experts vary in their descriptions, and individuals vary in when and how they use these two processes, adolescents tend to favor intuitive rather than analytic thinking. Postformal thinkers can combine them, becoming more flexible as well as more practical." The text reads as follows. Mastering Language. Children’s use of language becomes more complex as they acquire more words and begin to master grammar and usage. A child’s spoken words or sounds (utterances) are broken down into the smallest units of language to determine their length and complexity: MEAN LENGTH OF UTTERANCE (M L U), ILLUSTRATED: Baby! equals 1, Baby plus Sleep equals 2, Baby plus Sleep plus ing equals 3, Shh! plus Baby plus Sleep plus ing equals 4, Shh! plus Baby plus is plus Sleep plus ing equals 5, Shh! plus The plus Baby plus is plus Sleep plus ing equals 6.