Question 1

As Arnett states,"Longitudinal studies are often viewed as methodologically preferable to cross sectional studies." Explain why.

Accepted Answer

The answer of As Arnett states,"Longitudinal studies are often viewed...

Question 2

As illustrated by research,not only does attention decline in midlife but one can also predict that ____ will decline.

Accepted Answer

Studies show that while attention and focus decline in midlife, the ability to divide attention between multiple tasks decreases even more. This means that individuals in midlife may struggle to switch between competing demands and may be less able to maintain focus on multiple things at once.

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of multitasking?

Accepted Answer

Multitasking refers to the ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Of the given options, making dinner while supervising a child's homework is an example of multitasking as it involves doing two different tasks at the same time. Typing a term paper on a computer, playing catch with your dog, and swimming laps in an Olympic-sized swimming pool are all singular tasks that are not being performed simultaneously with other tasks.

Question 4

Your 56-year-old teacher seems very comfortable with herself.If she does not know the answer to a student's question,she simply states that she does not know and will try to find the answer.Is she an unusual person for her age?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that self-contentment is generally at its peak during middle adulthood, which ranges from ages 40 to 65. Therefore, it is not unusual for a 56-year-old teacher to feel comfortable with herself and admit when she does not know the answer to a student's question.

Question 5

For participants in middle adulthood,the Seattle Longitudinal Study demonstrated that long-term memory ____ for most.

Accepted Answer

The answer of For participants in middle adulthood,the Seattle Longitudinal...

Question 6

Does research show age-related changes in divided attention in middle adulthood?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Does research show age-related changes in divided...

Question 7

Attention is the ability to focus on relevant information while ____.

Accepted Answer

Attention involves selectively focusing on relevant information while ignoring irrelevant information. Therefore, the ability to ignore irrelevant environmental information is a key aspect of attention. A) suggests that environmental stimuli are distracting, which may or may not be true, but it does not fully capture the essence of attention. C) is incorrect as it suggests that attention involves summing external cues, which is not an accurate description. D) is incorrect as attention involves selectively focusing on relevant information, not multiplying sensory memory input.

Question 8

Two people were finalists during a lengthy job search for a college president at State College.Candidate A was in her early 30s,from Harvard,and world-renowned in her field.Candidate B was 50 and also highly respected in her field.Although Candidate B had fewer publications,unlike candidate A,she has successful track record in a variety of administrative positions at two different institutions before applying for this position.According to the research,which finalist should be chosen?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Two people were finalists during a lengthy...

Question 9

For participants who are in middle adulthood,research has shown a slight decline in ____.

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that short-term memory begins to decline in middle adulthood, while other types of memory, such as crystallized memory, may remain stable or even improve with age.

Question 10

When asked about their goals in life,midlife adults tend to mention ____.

Accepted Answer

Midlife adults tend to focus on fulfilling the roles they currently have rather than setting new lofty goals. This may include being a good spouse, parent, employee, or community member. They may also focus on personal growth and development but prioritize stability and contentment over major changes or achievements.

Question 11

Divided attention is most closely related to ____.

Accepted Answer

Divided attention refers to the ability to focus on multiple tasks or stimuli simultaneously, which is commonly known as multitasking.

Question 12

How might you explain the discrepancy in cross-sectional research finding a decline in memory for lists of words,but longitudinal research showing an increase in factual knowledge and procedural knowledge?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How might you explain the discrepancy in...

Question 13

Inhibiting irrelevant information as a means to focus attention.In an experiment where participants were asked to press a bar only in response to certain visual stimuli,midlife adult subjects were ____ younger adults to press the bar in response to the ____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Inhibiting irrelevant information as a means to...

Question 14

Would you expect to see differences in reaction time between emerging adults and middle-age adults? Explain using a specific example.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Would you expect to see differences in...

Question 15

Based on research from the Seattle Longitudinal Study,which type of intelligence was found to peak in middle adulthood before declining in late adulthood?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Based on research from the Seattle Longitudinal...

Question 16

Define attrition and give an example.Why is this important to take into account when conducting a study?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define attrition and give an example.Why is...

Question 17

Which of the following is likely to decline in middle adulthood?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is likely to...

Question 18

At what period in the lifespan is contentment with the self the highest?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that individuals in middle adulthood (ages 40-65) experience the highest level of self-acceptance and contentment with their sense of identity. This is often attributed to a combination of factors, including increased life experience, maturity, and stability in careers and relationships.

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of divided attention?

Accepted Answer

Divided attention refers to the ability to focus on two or more tasks simultaneously. Talking on the phone and playing a computer game require the use of different cognitive functions and take place in different environments, making them a prime example of divided attention. Typing a term paper and driving a car are not good examples of divided attention because they require different levels of attention and focus, respectively. Swimming laps in a pool requires a singular focus on the task at hand and is not an example of divided attention.

Question 20

____ is the ability to maintain attention on two or more information sources simultaneously and switch back and forth between them.

Accepted Answer

Divided attention is the ability to process multiple streams of information simultaneously and switching attention between them. It involves the allocation of cognitive resources to different tasks or stimuli. It is commonly used in everyday activities such as driving, listening to music, and conversing with someone while performing a task.

Quiz 11: Middle Adulthood