Age differences in fluid and crystallized intelligence
1967; Elsevier BV; Volume: 26; Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/0001-6918(67)90011-x
ISSN1873-6297
AutoresJohn L. Horn, Raymond B. Cattell,
Tópico(s)Aging and Gerontology Research
ResumoThe general purpose of this study was to describe differences in intellectual functioning associated with aging in adulthood. Estimates of broad factors identified as fluid intelligence, crystallized intelligence, general visualization, speediness, carefulness and fluency were obtained by combining scores on several tests found to define these factors in previous research. A sample of 297 subjects was divided into five age groupings: 14–17 year-olds, 18–20 year-olds, 21–28 year-olds, 29–39 year-olds and 40–61 year-olds. Analyses of variance and covariance were carried out on these factors and age groupings, using sex and education, as well as the factors themselves, as covariates. These analyses revealed that: (a) The mean level of fluid intelligence was systematically higher for younger adults (relative to older adults), (b) The mean level of crystallized intelligence was systematically higher for older adults (relative to younger adults), (c) The mean for the general visualization function was highest for the grouping of 21–28 year-olds and the means systematically dropped off on either side of the high value, (d) No systematic age trends were discernible for the general speediness, carefulness and fluency factors. These results provided support for the theory of fluid and crystallized intelligence.
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