Cognition does not change in one uniform way during late adulthood. Some abilities, such as processing speed and fluid reasoning, often decline, while knowledge-based abilities can remain stable or increase. This lesson explores these patterns and why individual differences matter.
Processing speed is the time needed to perceive information and produce a response. In a simple experiment, a person might press a key as soon as a shape appears on a screen. The time between the shape appearing and the response provides a measure of reaction time.
All flashcards
What is autobiographical memory?
Memory for information about oneself and one's personal history, including personal events and personal facts.
What is the positivity effect in memory?
The tendency for people to remember their past more positively as they grow older.
What is wisdom?
Using intellect and experience to make sound decisions while considering perspectives, uncertainty, and future consequences.
How does expertise differ from wisdom?
Expertise is deep knowledge or skill in a specific area; wisdom applies experience while considering broader perspectives and consequences.
What is a tip-of-the-tongue experience?
A temporary difficulty retrieving a familiar word or fact that a person knows.
Quiz questions
In a simple reaction-time experiment, what does the time between a shape appearing and a keypress measure?Answer: The time needed to perceive the stimulus and respond.
What distinguishes working memory from short-term memory?Answer: Working memory actively holds and manipulates information.
Which example best illustrates implicit memory?Answer: Riding a bicycle using a practiced skill without consciously recalling each movement.
What distinguishes a serious cognitive impairment from a modest age-related change?Answer: It disrupts everyday activities or threatens independence.
Why can a cross-sectional study of cognitive aging reflect cohort differences?Answer: Different age groups may have had distinct generational experiences.
Based on Lifespan Development by Diana Riser, Rose Spielman, David Biek (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.