Explaining why the best work of scientists is often produced in early adulthood while that of novelists often originates during middle adulthood requires a distinction between
A) fluid and cross-sectional intelligence.
B) an intellectual disability and crystallized intelligence.
C) fluid and crystallized intelligence.
D) the Flynn effect and fluid intelligence.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The distinction between fluid and crystallized intelligence is the most relevant in explaining why scientists tend to produce their best work in early adulthood while that of novelists often originates during middle adulthood. Fluid intelligence represents an individual's ability to reason and solve novel problems, which is thought to peak during early adulthood and then decline. In contrast, crystallized intelligence refers to an individual's acquired knowledge and skills, which continue to increase throughout adulthood. Novelists, who draw on their life experiences and accumulated knowledge, may therefore be more likely to peak in middle adulthood when their crystallized intelligence is at its highest.

Explaining Why the Best Work of Scientists Is Often Produced