APPLICATIONS

Question 10.31

Teenage cliques and crowds may be more important in large U.S. high schools than elsewhere. Interview people who attended high schools of various sizes in different nations. Describe and discuss any differences in peer relationships.

Question 10.32

Locate a news article about a teenager who committed suicide. Can you find evidence in the article that there were warning signs that were ignored? Does the report inadvertently encourage cluster suicides?

Question 10.33

Research suggests that most adolescents have broken the law but that few have been arrested or incarcerated. Ask 10 of your fellow students if they ever broke the law when they were younger than 18 and, if so, how often, in what ways, and with what consequences. (Assure them of confidentiality.) Include minor law-breaking, e.g., texting while driving or buying cigarettes. What hypothesis arises about lawbreaking in your cohort?

Question 10.34

Cultures vary in standards for drug use among children, adolescents, and adults. Interview three people from different cultures (not necessarily from different nations; each occupation, generation, or religion can be said to have a culture) about drug-use standards. Ask your respondents to explain the reasons behind the cultural standards.