Apply fluid intelligence to novel problem solving and explain how age-related differences in this ability can affect performance or research results.
A researcher compared the effectiveness of massed versus distributed practice in preparing for a memory test.
Each of two groups memorized the definitions of 40 vocabulary words.
In group A, there were 30 participants who were all under twenty-five years of age. Participants in group A used the method of distributed practice, studying for 30 minutes on each of four evenings. They were tested on the fifth morning at 7:00 A.M. In group B, there were 30 participants who were all over sixty years of age.
Participants in group B used the method of massed practice, studying only from 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. on the evening before the test. They were tested the next morning at 7:00 A.M.
All participants completed a recall test. The test measured how quickly participants recalled the definitions. The results showed that the mean difference between the distributed practice group and the massed practice group was statistically significant. The researcher provided a list of the names and test scores for each individual participant in a letter to all participants.
Part B How might each of the following concepts affect the results of the study?
- Fluid intelligence
Fluid intelligence
Point 5: Fluid intelligence
To earn this point the student must explain that older people have less fluid intelligence, or perform worse
on the task in the context of fluid intelligence, which would affect the results of this study OR that younger
people have more fluid intelligence, or perform better on the task in the context of fluid intelligence, which
would affect the results of the study.