Fluid intelligence increases with age, while crystalized intelligence abilities decrease Group of answer choices True False
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is False.
Fluid intelligence generally refers to the ability to reason, think abstractly, and solve novel problems, independent of acquired knowledge. It tends to peak in early adulthood and gradually declines with age. This decline is related to the fact that as individuals age, processing speed, working memory, and the capacity to handle complex tasks can diminish. Older adults may find it more challenging to quickly adapt to new information and unfamiliar situations, which is characteristic of fluid intelligence.
On the other hand, crystallized intelligence is the accumulation of knowledge, facts, and skills acquired throughout life, influenced by experience and education. Crystallized intelligence generally increases with age because older adults have had more time to acquire knowledge and expertise. Unlike fluid intelligence, crystallized intelligence tends to remain stable or even improve as individuals grow older. For example, vocabulary and general knowledge typically increase throughout adulthood due to continuous learning and accumulated life experiences.
In summary, while fluid intelligence tends to decline with age, crystallized intelligence generally improves or remains steady. This distinction highlights the complex nature of cognitive abilities and suggests that different types of intelligence are affected differently by aging processes. It also emphasizes that even though certain cognitive functions may decline with age, accumulated knowledge and experience remain valuable assets, contributing to decision-making and problem-solving in later life.