Over time, an individual’s spatial performance has declined while verbal abilities have improved. This is an example of __ of intelligence.
A conventionality
B multidimensionality
C multidirectionality
D Time-dependency
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is C) multidirectionality.
Explanation:
Multidirectionality is a concept from developmental psychology, particularly in the study of intelligence across the lifespan. It refers to the idea that different aspects of intelligence may develop, decline, or remain stable at different rates over time. In this case, the individual’s spatial performance has declined, while their verbal abilities have improved. This demonstrates that cognitive abilities do not always change in the same direction or at the same pace as a person ages, highlighting the multidirectional nature of cognitive development.
For example, while spatial abilities may decline with age, verbal abilities often improve or remain stable. This shift is influenced by various factors, including experience, education, and different types of cognitive training. Some research indicates that verbal abilities can improve throughout adulthood due to factors like increased vocabulary or improved language comprehension, while spatial abilities may deteriorate more rapidly due to reduced mental flexibility or visual processing capacity.
Multidirectionality challenges the traditional view of intelligence, which often assumes that all areas of cognitive function decline uniformly with age. Instead, it acknowledges that intelligence is complex and that different cognitive domains can show different developmental trajectories over time. The concept is crucial in understanding the variability of cognitive aging, as it encourages a more nuanced approach to examining changes in intelligence over the life span.
Therefore, the correct term for this phenomenon is multidirectionality, as it captures the idea that different aspects of intelligence can experience different patterns of growth or decline as individuals age.