Which of the following best explains the typical pattern of cognitive functioning in middle adulthood?
A)Most individuals demonstrate decrements in verbal skills such as vocabulary,and tasks such as working a crossword puzzle or giving instructions become difficult.
B)Most individuals begin to experience decrements in problem-solving abilities,and tasks such as adjusting ingredients in a recipe or learning new computer software become difficult.
C)Individuals may maintain or even gain in skill on tasks that are highly practiced or based on specific learning,such as playing a card game.
D)Mental processes steadily and significantly decline across middle adulthood,and most individuals perceive an accelerated loss of mental acuity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Research suggests that while some cognitive functions may decline in middle adulthood, others may remain stable or even improve with practice and specific learning. In particular, tasks that are highly practiced or based on specific learning may show improvement, while more novel tasks may become more difficult. This is known as the "use it or lose it" principle.

Which of the Following Best Explains the Typical Pattern of Cognitive