It is generally the case that most great scientists have their ground-breaking ideas when they are in early to middle adulthood, but rarely when they are older. What might explain this fact?
A) The brain shrinks with age.
B) General intelligence declines steeply after middle adulthood.
C) Fluid intelligence peaks in middle adulthood, and then declines in later life.
D) Crystallized intelligence peaks in middle adulthood, and then declines in later life.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fluid intelligence, which involves our ability to reason and problem-solve in new situations, peaks in middle adulthood and then declines in later life. This decline may make it more difficult for older scientists to generate truly innovative and groundbreaking ideas. However, crystallized intelligence, which involves accumulated knowledge and experience, can continue to grow throughout the lifespan.

It Is Generally the Case That Most Great Scientists Have