Exam 3: Do Intelligence and Creativity Decline With

Discuss Dennis's critique of Lehman's argument that creativity inevitably declines after middle age. Do you agree or disagree with Dennis's skepticism? Explain.

Carstensen developed the Socioemotional Selectivity Theory (SST) to address paradoxical results from studies on aging. What are some of these paradoxes and how does SST help us make sense of them?

The view that intelligence and creativity decline with age is widely shared.

According to Carstensen, normal changes in overall cognitive processing begin in a person's 20s and 30s.

When it comes to the effects of aging on learning and memory, there are many individual differences, or "heterogeneity."

According to Lehman, individuals who engage in creative work are most likely to produce the highest volume of highest quality work at later years.

According to Lehman, the modal age of leaders (e.g., presidents of American colleges and universities, Supreme Court justices) is greater than that of other highly successful professionals and athletes.

Once cognitive declines begin, there is very little that can be done to improve intellectual functioning.

Dennis argues that Lehman's methodology is flawed.

Dennis agrees with Lehman that the output of high-quality creative work peaks in middle age, followed by an inevitable decline.

Dennis argues that Lehman (Age and Achievement) may have introduced bias into his study by ______.

Older adults show a decided preference in memory and attention for positive information.

Lehman asserts that the modal age at which creative thinkers, leaders, and athletes have reached their peak performance has gradually increased.

Cohen puts forward the concept of "developmental intelligence." What are the key features of this concept? How might you relate this to your own development or that of an older adult you know?

Changes in physical functioning associated with aging may lead to an older person developing a new perspective that fuels creativity.

According to Cohen, wisdom is the expression of developmental intelligence.

Most gerontologists would agree that wisdom inevitably results from aging.

Involvement in creative activities may positively influence aging and longevity.

Cohen asserts that human beings stop developing psychologically at midlife.