Psychology of Age and Adulthood

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Questions and Answers

What factor is associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline?

Sedentary lifestyle

Higher socioeconomic status (correct)

Lack of intellectual engagement

Low socioeconomic status

Which of the following is NOT one of the five assumptions of andragogy?

Experience

Orientation to learning

Self-concept

External motivation (correct)

Which principle is significant for andragogic practice?

Involve learners in planning and evaluation (correct)

Focus solely on age-related learning differences

Teach learners about theoretical concepts exclusively

Promote individual competition in learning

What is implied by the constructivist perspective on adult learning?

Adaptation to changing demands is a lifelong process Signup and view all the answers

What type of learning is emphasized in andragogy?

Problem-based learning Signup and view all the answers

What effect complicates the interpretation of age-related cognitive changes?

Cohort effects Signup and view all the answers

Which cognitive ability is theorized to show the largest decline with age?

Inductive reasoning Signup and view all the answers

What is neuroplasticity primarily defined as?

The capacity of the brain to form and reorganize synaptic connections Signup and view all the answers

Which cognitive ability reportedly shows an increase rather than a decline with age?

Verbal ability Signup and view all the answers

What impact may practice effects have on longitudinal studies of cognitive decline?

They might mask actual cognitive decline Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the period characterized by exploration and experimentation with identity, lifestyle, and career for individuals aged 18-25?

Emerging adulthood Signup and view all the answers

Which age is generally considered the beginning of older adulthood?

65 Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of emerging adults in the West?

Lack of commitment Signup and view all the answers

What research method follows individuals over multiple time points to observe changes due to age?

Longitudinal study Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect has contributed to the changing perceptions of middle adulthood starting at 40?

Increased life expectancy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor associated with 'successful aging'?

Isolation from others Signup and view all the answers

What methodological challenge is associated with longitudinal studies?

High cost Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily noted about the transition from adolescence to adulthood?

It often shows continuity for most individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What is true about fluid intelligence compared to crystallised intelligence?

Fluid intelligence shows a steeper decline than crystallised intelligence. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Alzheimer's disease is accurate?

It is an irreversible neurodegenerative condition. Signup and view all the answers

Which theory suggests that successful ageing involves a gradual withdrawal from activities?

Disengagement theory Signup and view all the answers

How does vascular dementia differ from Alzheimer's disease concerning memory symptoms?

Alzheimer's results in systematic memory loss, while vascular dementia does not. Signup and view all the answers

What indicates a weaker relationship among older individuals concerning IQ scores?

Processing speed is more directly affected by brain structural changes. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is identified as lessening the likelihood of decline in successful ageing?

Absence of cardiovascular and chronic diseases Signup and view all the answers

How does crystalised intelligence change with age according to the research?

It increases and then levels out with minimal decline. Signup and view all the answers

What role does practice have according to continuity theory in successful ageing?

It protects cognitive functioning by promoting continued use of abilities. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning Objectives

Describe research methods used to measure age effects
Describe age-related brain changes
Describe cognitive changes related to memory and IQ
Explain successful ageing
Identify factors associated with successful ageing
Describe andragogy

Young Adulthood

Young people enter adulthood between 18 and 20 in Western cultures
There's a trend of delaying full adulthood
"Emerging adulthood" describes 18-25 year olds who explore identity, lifestyle, and career
Self-focused due to fewer duties and commitments
Transition to adulthood can be challenging for some
Timing of traditional adult experiences is more flexible now

Adulthood

Middle adulthood was once considered to start at 40
Life expectancy increases, making it harder to define the midpoint of adulthood
Attitudes on the older adult phase are changing due to the aging population
Older adulthood is often associated with the age of 65 but this is changing

Methodologies for Lifespan Research

Cross-sectional: Studies a population at a single point in time, comparing different age groups. Easier and cheaper, but can't determine cause and effect.
Longitudinal: Studies individuals over time, measuring changes within the same individual. Stronger indication of cause and effect, but more time-consuming, costly, and vulnerable to participant attrition.

Neurobiology and Aging

Neurodevelopment is most rapid in infancy and early childhood.
Grey matter peaks in early childhood; white matter later.
Neuroplasticity - The brain's ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections.
Brain mass isn't everything, the brain continues to learn.
Cognitive decline is partly due to biological changes.
Compensation for reductions in brain mass occurs via neuroplasticity.

Cognitive Abilities by Age

Cognitive abilities from 25-81, measured using mean T-scores.
Inductive reasoning and spatial orientation decline the most.
Perceptual speed significantly declines.
Numeric ability slightly declines.
Verbal ability shows no decline or increases.

Cognition and Memory

Neurodegenerative diseases become more common with age, like Alzheimer's (hippocampus affected first) and vascular dementia.
Alzheimer's leads to gradual declines in memory, reasoning, language, and eventually physical functioning.
Vascular dementia's effects on memory and reasoning are not systematic.

Ageing and Intelligence

Fluid intelligence (culture-independent thinking skills) declines faster, starting earlier.
Crystalized intelligence (knowledge accumulated from experiences) usually increases or remains stable.
Increased education levels have a potential impact on cognitive abilities.

Differing Views on Successful Ageing

Disengagement theory: gradual withdrawal from societal activities.
Activity theory: maintaining activity and interests.
Continuity theory: maintaining past activities and adjusting to maintain a balance.
Successful ageing factors include lack of cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases and factors like social status and intellectually stimulating environments.

Andragogy

Adult learners are self-directed, experienced, and ready to learn
Learning should be relevant to current roles and practical problems in a 'just-in-time' scenario.
Motivation to learn is usually intrinsic
Principles involving learners in planning, using experience, and relevance are important for successful adult learning.

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Description

Explore the stages of adulthood from young adulthood to older adulthood in this quiz. Understand the cognitive changes, research methods, and factors associated with successful aging. Delve into the challenges and transitions experienced at different ages.