8 - Real-world correlates of judgment and decision-making paradigms in developmental samples

Abstract

Correlations between real-world behaviors and judgment and decision-making paradigms are of great interest to developmentalists to inform our understanding of how to promote positive development and outcomes for our children and youth. There is relatively less research on these associations in child and youth samples relative to adult samples. Several real-world outcomes were examined in the longitudinal developmental study and correlated with judgment and decision-making performance. Youth reported positive outcomes were significantly correlated with judgment and decision-making paradigms and cognitive abilities at Time 2 and Time 3, when youth were 11–17 (Time 2) and 14–20 (Time 3) years of age. Some effect sizes were larger at Time 3 and significant correlations were also obtained with negative outcomes at Time 3. Positive outcome domains that displayed significant correlations were behaviors related to initiative and responsibility, grades, and academic conscientiousness. Negative outcome domains that displayed significant correlations were antisocial behavior and technology overuse. Parent reported real-world correlates at Time 2 displayed few significant correlations with judgment and decision-making paradigms.