Media Release
June 4 2006
Responsibility – is it a no-brainer?
A new study at UniSA is about to explore just how accountable young
people may be for impulsive or reckless behaviour. A team of young
researchers is investigating if the human brain is still maturing in the
early 20s and whether it could account for irresponsible actions.
“There has been recent evidence from MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans that specific areas of the brain such as the frontal lobes continue to develop during young adulthood,” explains Suzanna Hodgson, one of three psychology honours students working on the study. “What needs to be explored is how this may impact on impulse and emotional control.”
The study will specifically look at anger control, impulsive behaviour, goal setting and motivation in young adults aged 18 to 30 years. One of the first studies to investigate the link between frontal lobe development and impulse control in people in their 20s, the findings could have far-reaching implications.
“If the brain isn’t fully developed in the areas that control impulsive behaviour, that opens the door to arguments about whether the person can be held totally responsible for their actions,” says psychology Professor Drew Dawson, Dean of Research at UniSA.
“Depending on what they discover in this study, the results may influence how we look at the law, education and clinical treatments.”
Researchers are now recruiting over 100 subjects for the study. Volunteers will be asked to complete a questionnaire about their goals, emotions and motivations. They’ll also be asked to carry out tasks that involve planning and be tested with some fun but challenging card games.
“It’s not a huge time commitment,” Hodgson says. “The people who volunteer will be helping to make a difference in an area where there hasn’t been a great deal of research.”
Anyone in the Adelaide area between the ages of 18 and 30 interested
in taking part in the study can call UniSA on 8302 4485 for more
information.
Media contact
- Tess van Straaten mobile: 0412 102 662 email: tess.vanstraaten@unisa.edu.au