Suppose you hear someone say, "Intellectual skill is maintained, with no psychologically significant loss, until about age 60 or 65, after which there is a small decline." You are convinced that this is an overly optimistic view. Which of the following statements would be your most potent counterargument?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Longitudinal studies are considered to be more reliable because they follow the same group of individuals over time, and therefore, measure actual changes in performance. The argument that intellectual skill is maintained until age 60 or 65 is likely based on cross-sectional studies that compare different age groups at the same time. Longitudinal studies have shown that declines in intellectual abilities begin earlier, typically in the 40s or 50s, and are more pronounced for tasks that require speeded or fluid abilities. Therefore, option B provides the best counterargument to the overly optimistic view.

Suppose You Hear Someone Say, "Intellectual Skill Is Maintained, with No