Question 1

The &#34;inhibition&#34; theory of cognitive aging suggests that:&#10;A)Difficulties filtering or actively ignoring irrelevant information become problematic with age&#10;B)The main age-related change in cognition is associated with general slowing of cognitive processes&#10;C)Changes in sensory functioning account for most cognitive changes in later life&#10;D)Older adults are more concerned about embarrassment than younger individuals and so hesitate to attempt tasks that are challenging

Accepted Answer

The "inhibition" theory of cognitive aging suggests that older adults have difficulty filtering out irrelevant information, which can lead to declines in cognitive performance. This theory proposes that this difficulty in inhibiting irrelevant information is a major factor in cognitive aging, rather than general slowing of cognitive processes or changes in sensory functioning.

Question 2

Basic cognitive processes include all of the following EXCEPT:&#10;A)Sensory and perceptual processes&#10;B)Attention&#10;C)Short-term memory&#10;D)Abstract thought

Accepted Answer

Abstract thought is a higher-order cognitive process that goes beyond basic cognitive processes. Basic cognitive processes are those that involve sensory and perceptual processes, attention, and short-term memory.

Question 3

A higher order cognitive function that functions as a potential buffer or moderator of age-related differences is:&#10;A)Expertise&#10;B)Long-term memory&#10;C)Explicit processing&#10;D)Declarative memory

Accepted Answer

Expertise can potentially buffer or moderate age-related differences because it involves years of practice and acquisition of knowledge and skills in a specific field, which can offset age-related declines in cognitive functioning.

Question 4

Cross-sequential research designs:&#10;A)Collect data from two or more groups of participants at two or more time measurement periods&#10;B)Focus on a single group over a long period of time&#10;C)Gather data through interview and other qualitative mechanisms to study phenomena in depth&#10;D)Compare a group of young individuals with a group of older individuals using standardized data collection methods

Accepted Answer

Cross-sequential research designs involve collecting data from multiple groups at multiple time points in order to compare and contrast developmental differences across time and cohorts. Option A is the correct choice as it accurately defines this type of research design. Option B describes a longitudinal research design, option C describes a qualitative research design, and option D describes a cross-sectional research design.

Question 5

Cognitive aging is best understood as characterized by:&#10;A)Relative stability in all cognitive processes until very old age&#10;B)Increase in time required for processing and encoding and improved short-term memory&#10;C)Loss of cognitive function in all spheres starting around age 60&#10;D)Gains,losses,and stability among the various cognitive processes

Accepted Answer

Cognitive aging is characterized by gains, losses, and stability among the various cognitive processes. This means that some cognitive processes may improve, some may decline, and some may remain stable with age. There is no evidence to support the ideas presented in options A, B, or C.

Question 6

Crystallized intelligence is:&#10;A)The ability to use abstract reasoning&#10;B)Reasoning,decision-making,problem-solving,judgment,abstract thought,and logic&#10;C)Accumulation of knowledge,experience,and acculturation&#10;D)Recall of future-oriented or scheduled tasks without the use of external memory aids

Accepted Answer

Crystallized intelligence is the accumulation of knowledge, experience, and acculturation. It involves the ability to use learned knowledge and experience to solve problems and answer questions. A is referring to fluid intelligence, B is a combination of different cognitive abilities, and D is describing prospective memory, which is not directly related to crystallized intelligence.

Question 7

A developmental life span approach to cognitive aging takes into consideration:&#10;A)A tendency of older adults to regress to the behaviors of very young age,particularly in very late life&#10;B)Normative age-graded influences and sociohistorical influences,as well as nonnormative life events&#10;C)The fact that older adults who do not accept aging gracefully are more likely than others to have cognitive difficulty in late life&#10;D)That working crossword puzzles and Sudoku are the primary means for minimizing cognitive loss in later life

Accepted Answer

A developmental life span approach considers multiple factors that can influence cognitive aging, including normative age-graded influences (such as expected changes in cognitive functioning over time), sociohistorical influences (such as changes in technology and cultural norms), and nonnormative life events (such as illness or trauma). The answer choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not fully capture the complexity of cognitive aging and the various factors that may contribute to it.

Question 8

Which of the following has research support as a mechanism for improving or maintaining cognition in later life?&#10;A)Playing simple card games such as Old Maid or Go Fish&#10;B)Bingo&#10;C)Needle crafts such as knitting and embroidery&#10;D)Aerobic exercise

Accepted Answer

Numerous studies have shown that aerobic exercise can improve cognitive function, including memory, attention, and processing speed, in older adults. While engaging in leisure activities such as playing simple card games, bingo, or needle crafts may have other benefits such as reducing stress and promoting social engagement, there is less research to support their direct impact on cognition.

Question 9

A form of memory that appears to be well-preserved in late life is:&#10;A)Declarative&#10;B)Procedural&#10;C)Sensory&#10;D)Short-term

Accepted Answer

Procedural memory is the type of memory that involves motor skills and habits, such as how to ride a bike or play an instrument, and is often well-preserved in late life. Declarative memory, on the other hand, involves facts and events and may decline with age. Sensory and short-term memory also tend to decline with age.

Question 10

Attention can be thought of as:&#10;A)A necessary process underpinning all other cognitive processes&#10;B)Generally less important in later life when new learning is less likely&#10;C)An isolated function unrelated to other aspects of cognitive processing&#10;D)The single most important element of effective cognition at any age

Accepted Answer

Attention is a fundamental process that underpins all other cognitive processes. It is necessary for perception, learning, memory, and problem-solving. Without attention, these processes would become impaired.

Deck 7: Cognitive Function