Question 1

In middle and late adulthood, __________ working memory suffers much less than __________ working memory.

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that verbal working memory remains relatively stable in middle and late adulthood, while spatial working memory tends to decline.

Question 2

Middle-aged adults tend to be rational decision makers because they __________.

Accepted Answer

Middle-aged adults have more life experience and knowledge, which enables them to use practical problem-solving strategies when making decisions. They are less likely to be swayed by emotions and are more focused on achieving their goals. They may also seek advice from colleagues, but ultimately make rational decisions based on available information.

Question 3

Middle-aged adults display continued cognitive growth in the realm of __________.

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that middle-aged adults continue to improve in practical problem solving as they gain more expertise and experience in their domains. While there may be some declines in certain cognitive abilities during middle adulthood, such as processing speed or working memory, practical problem solving remains a strength.

Question 4

Courtney, a baby boomer, is likely to score higher than her father at the same age on verbal memory, inductive reasoning, and spatial orientation. Courtney's performance compared to her father's is likely due in part to generational advances in __________.

Accepted Answer

The advances in education and technology have led to improved cognitive abilities, including verbal memory, inductive reasoning, and spatial orientation, which may explain Courtney's higher scores compared to her father.

Question 5

In a study examining the diverse ingredients of expert performance, middle-aged adults performed more competently than younger adults in tasks involving __________.

Accepted Answer

Middle-aged adults often outperform younger adults in tasks that require organizational skills, as they typically have more experience and have developed more efficient strategies for organizing and managing information and tasks.

Question 6

Which statement is true about age-related slowing of cognitive processing?

Accepted Answer

The statement that older adults experience greater loss of information as it moves through the cognitive system is true according to one approach to age-related slowing of cognitive processing.

Answer: C 
 The statement that complex tasks, which have more processing steps, are less affected by information loss is true according to one approach to age-related slowing of cognitive processing.

A and D are both false statements.

Question 7

As processing speed slows, __________.

Accepted Answer

Processing speed is often associated with executive function, which involves cognitive processes such as decision-making, problem-solving, and attentional control. As processing speed slows, these executive functions may decline as well. Attention may also be affected, but it is not necessarily heightened as a result. Working memory and verbal IQ may also be affected by processing speed, but neither is necessarily improved.

Question 8

Which individual is most likely to be at the peak of creative accomplishment?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that individuals typically reach their creative peaks between the ages of 40 and 50. While younger individuals may have more novel ideas, they often lack the experience and expertise necessary to fully develop and implement those ideas. On the other hand, older individuals may have the expertise but may be less willing to take risks and try new things. Shaunte, being 42, falls within the age range where creative peaks are most likely to occur.

Question 9

Domonique is an air traffic controller. Because of her occupational experiences, Domonique will likely demonstrate smaller age-related declines in __________ than her middle-aged peers.

Accepted Answer

Task-switching ability, or the ability to switch between different tasks quickly and efficiently, is a crucial part of managing air traffic control. As such, it is likely that Domonique's occupational experiences have helped her maintain her task-switching ability better than her middle-aged peers. However, there is no evidence to suggest that her experiences would have a significant impact on her verbal ability, numeric ability, or logical reasoning.

Question 10

With regard to scientific knowledge, Ross has an extensive, highly organized, and integrated knowledge base that can be used to support a high level of performance. Ross has __________ in science.

Accepted Answer

The statement describes Ross as having an extensive and highly organized knowledge base in science, which is indicative of expertise in the subject. Option B, intuition, refers to a person's ability to sense or understand something without relying on conscious reasoning, and is not related to scientific knowledge. Option C, metacognitive knowledge, refers to a person's understanding of their own thinking processes and strategies for learning and problem-solving, which may not necessarily be related to scientific knowledge. Option D, emotional intelligence, refers to a person's ability to recognize and manage their own emotions, as well as understand and influence the emotions of others, which is also unrelated to scientific knowledge.

Question 11

On both simple and complex reaction-time tasks, response time __________.

Accepted Answer

Response time increases steadily from the early twenties into the nineties due to the gradual decline in cognitive and physical abilities associated with aging.

Question 12

Which statement is true about middle-aged students' performance on working memory tasks?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that middle-aged students show performance declines mainly under pressured conditions, but not necessarily in self-paced conditions.

Question 13

Older adults' ability to __________ is impaired relative to younger adults'.

Accepted Answer

Research shows that older adults have more difficulty with recalling studied information than their younger counterparts. They may take longer to recall information, make more errors in recall, and experience a decline in their ability to remember details. While older adults may have difficulty with other tasks listed, such as problem-solving, the question specifically asks about relative impairments to younger adults.

Question 14

Because older adults find ways to compensate for cognitive slowing on familiar tasks, their reaction time __________.

Accepted Answer

Older adults often develop strategies to compensate for cognitive slowing, especially on tasks they are familiar with. This can include relying on verbal reasoning and accumulated knowledge, which can help them perform better on verbal tasks compared to nonverbal ones, where such compensatory strategies might not be as effective.

Question 15

In solving a math problem, Herman uses __________ memory.

Accepted Answer

In solving a math problem, Herman would use procedural memory as it is the type of memory that involves the recall of actions or sequences of actions. This would involve following the steps and procedures of a particular problem-solving method. Crystallized memory involves the recall of learned information, semantic memory involves the recall of general knowledge and facts, and metacognitive memory involves the recall of how to plan and monitor cognitive processes.

Question 16

Maria has trouble remembering where she parks her car in the large office parking lot. Her solution is to park in the same area of the parking lot every day. She is using __________ knowledge.

Accepted Answer

Maria is using metacognitive knowledge, which involves awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes. By parking in the same area every day, she is employing a strategy to aid her memory, demonstrating her awareness of her cognitive limitations and how to manage them.

Question 17

On tests of complex abilities, the slower the reaction time, the __________ the score on __________.

Accepted Answer

Slower reaction time is generally associated with lower scores on complex tasks that involve problem-solving. This is because complex tasks require quick thinking and processing, and slower reaction times may indicate difficulties in these areas. Therefore, the correct answer is C, lower scores on problem-solving tasks.

Question 18

Mounting evidence indicates that in healthy older adults, __________ predict(s) decrements in reaction time and other cognitive abilities.

Accepted Answer

Myelin breakdown, which is a natural process of aging, has been linked to declines in cognitive abilities such as reaction time.

Question 19

Which scientist is most likely at the height of expertise?

Accepted Answer

Generally, expertise is achieved through years of experience, research and development in a particular field of study. Dr. Lucerno, being the oldest of the four options, is likely to have the most experience and expertise in his field.

Question 20

Bronson manages a fast-food restaurant. Which individual with similar qualifications and years of experience should he hire if he is looking for competent customer service?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Bronson manages a fast-food restaurant. Which individual...

Quiz 15: Physical and Cognitive Development in Middle Adulthood

In middle and late adulthood, working memory suffers much less than working memory.