Which of the following is most likely to influence teen alcohol use according to developmental psychology research?

• A. Genetic mutations that occur exclusively in adulthood
• B. Exposure to alcohol advertisements only after age 30
• C. Peer pressure and social norms among adolescents
• D. Cognitive decline associated with late adulthood

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key focus of the question: it asks about factors influencing teen alcohol use according to developmental psychology research.
2. Recall that developmental psychology studies how people change and grow over time, including adolescence, which is a critical period for social and behavioral development.
3. Consider each option in relation to adolescence: genetic mutations occurring exclusively in adulthood are unlikely to affect teen behavior; exposure to alcohol ads after age 30 is irrelevant to teen behavior; cognitive decline in late adulthood does not influence teen alcohol use.
4. Recognize that peer pressure and social norms are well-documented influences on adolescent behavior, including alcohol use, because teens are highly sensitive to social acceptance and group dynamics during this developmental stage.
5. Conclude that among the options, peer pressure and social norms among adolescents are the most likely to influence teen alcohol use based on developmental psychology research.