You recently read a study in which the researchers concluded that after age 60, women's IQs drop dramatically. This conclusion was based upon comparisons of women born between 1910 and 1930 and women born between 1960 and 1980. Based upon this information, the comment you would most likely make is
A) this is not a valid result because men were not included in the study.
B) longitudinal research doesn't work well when looking at IQ over time.
C) cohort effects likely account for the observed differences.
D) whoever conducted this study is negatively biased against older women.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The observed differences in IQ between the two groups of women can likely be explained by cohort effects, such as changes in education and societal attitudes towards women's intelligence and education over time. It is not appropriate to assume that women's IQs drop dramatically after age 60 based solely on this study. Additionally, the study does not mention anything about men, so option A is not relevant. Option B is incorrect as longitudinal research can be effective when studying developmental changes over time. Option D is also not supported by any evidence in the study.

You Recently Read a Study in Which the Researchers Concluded