Intraindividual variability (IIV) in cognitive speed, or moment-to-moment changes in ability, is a developmental phenomenon indicative of neurological integrity that increases gradually across adulthood. Past research has shown that IIV negatively covaries with cognitive performance, in which higher IIV at one occasion is associated with poorer…

This article explores Robert Kegan's adult constructive-developmental (ACD) theory. We compare these ideas to the way educators at each of Kegan's meaning-making levels might plan, implement, and assess digitally enhanced teaching activities. Using Drago-Severson's interpretation of Kegan's concepts, the authors propose that behaviors of…

In our prior study the negative correlation between Topology, a behavioral measure of fluid reasoning, and adult age diminished with the increase in the level of expertise in a cognitively-demanding domain of expertise in the game of GO. The present fMRI study was designed to investigate neural substrates of Topology. The modified topology…

Describes three unique characteristics of adult thought: (1) an understanding of the relativistic nature of knowledge, (2) an acceptance of contradiction as a part of reality, and (3) an integrative approach to thinking. Analysis of the philosophical foundations of these characteristics is followed by critical examination of current studies of…

Attempted to better delineate nature of simple reminiscence (recall of past experiences). Used constant comparative method to analyze transcripts of older adults' reminiscences and found that the process consists of four elements: selection, immersion, withdrawal, and closure. (Author/NB)

Presents several reconceptualizations of adult cognitive development and its relation to everyday problem solving. Argues that investigation of relations between adult cognitive development and everyday problem solving may be facilitated through causal modeling that includes task characteristics, social context, and personality and motivational…

Proposes a three-level model of cognitive processing to account for complex monitoring when individuals are faced with ill-structured problems (i.e., problems on which opposing or contradictory evidence and opinion exists). (Author/RH)

Examined influence of cardiovascular fitness on age-related declines in cognitive performance among 13 young adults, 22 middle-aged adults, and 13 older adults. Age-related performance declines were observed for free-recall task, but no such age-dependent association was observed for frequency and location memory. Other data suggest that…

Examined longitudinal changes in cognitive functioning for aging twins. Found that those who were considered demented in old age had achieved lower test scores 20 years prior to diagnosis and experienced greater declines in vocabulary and forward digit span over time than those without dementia. Suggests that dementia may develop very slowly.…

The generality of ability factor structure in adulthood and old age was investigated. Data were analyzed for 198 young individuals (15-32 years), 156 younger old individuals (53-68 years), and 156 older old individuals (69-91). Variables were nine tests marking three ability factors. (Author/CTM)

Instructional design for older adult programs must emphasize relevance to personal goals, account for learning style differences, minimize time requirements, avoid stressful evaluation techniques, include practice and participation, have appropriately paced sequence, and involve a comfortable, well-lit environment. (SK)

This article summarizes results from studies of the organization and development of cognitive abilities in adults aged 20 to 60 years old. Theories of intelligence stipulating a hierarchy of intellectual functions, with fluid and crystallized intelligence at the top, are supported. Six conclusions on age differences are offered. (Author/RD)

In-depth interviews were used to investigate how life is experienced by persons at age 85 (N=129) and again at 92 (N=41). Seven patterns of adjustment ranging from self-realization to withdrawal emerged, and heterogeneity remained at follow-up with some changes in the characteristics of the categories and in coping strategies. (Author/EMK)

Examined role of age and education in adult moral reasoning. Interviewed 195 adults between ages of 19 and 82 using standard Kohlberg moral dilemmas. Subjects' education levels ranged from 3 to 25 years. Found no overall significant effect for age, no significant effect for gender, and significant effect for education. (Author/NB)

Identified types of moral problems faced by older adults (N=37). The most commonly reported moral problem involved family relationships. Younger subjects identified conflicts between personal behavior and the legal code, while a trend appeared for older subjects to be unable to identify a personal moral conflict. (Author/JAC)