Post-formal operational thought is characterized by both relativism and dialecticism. To examine age differences across adulthood in relativistic and dialectical thought, and to determine whether formal operations are necessary but not sufficient for these forms of thought, 20 young (mean age, 19.6), 20 middle aged (mean age, 46.2), and 20 older…

A developmental theory of adult intelligence is proposed called PPIK. The PPIK theory integrates intelligence as process, personality, interests, and intelligence-as-knowledge. Data from the study of knowledge structures are examined in the context of the theory and in relation to measures of content abilities. (SLD)

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)

Age differences in intellect as reflected by performance on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (Revised) (WAIS-R) were evaluated for persons aged 20 to 74 years. Educational attainment levels were held constant. The WAIS-R sample included 1,480 men and women in the following seven age groups--20-24 years (n=250), 25-34 years (n=250), 35-44…

Self-report research has inconclusively linked complaints of poor memory functioning, memory performance, and intellectual ability with depression in older adults. In order to investigate more conclusively the correlation between these variables as well as to investigate the effect of age differences, 159 older adults (49 young-old, aged 55-70; 60…

Based largely on research in adult development and aging, these readings and discussion questions pertain to such aspects of development and adjustment in middle life as the following: individual differences in aging; biological changes through the adult years; changes in the physical senses (vision, hearing, taste, smell, touch, and pain)…

At each age learning is a complex interaction of motivation, cognition, and development. In older adults, motivation is often related to a lifelong personality construct or personal meaning that an older individual will seek to play out when given the opportunity in late life. The needs of the older adult learner can be discussed in terms of…

This annotated bibliography dealing with adult learning characteristics contains 82 indexed and abstracted entries arranged under the following headings: (1) Mental and Perceptual Abilities, (2) Personality and Social Role Factors, and (3) General Bibliographies. Intelligence, intelligence tests, memory and retention, adult development, older…

Summarizes the conduct and results of the Seattle Longitudinal Study, an investigation that has assessed mental abilities in more than 5,000 adults and has followed some for as long as 35 years. Integrative findings are presented on age changes, cohort differences, factor structure, individual differences, and interventions. (SLD)

Leading educational psychologists address problems in adult development and learning in this book. "What Does Educational Psychology Know about Adult Learning and Development?" (M. Cecil Smith, Thomas Pourchot) is the introduction. "We Learn, Therefore We Develop" (Nira Granott) tackles the problem of distinguishing between…

This book contains 15 papers on the following topics related to lifelong learning: lifespan development and education, capacity to learn in the lifespan, skills formation in the workplace, learning to learn in the lifespan, and implications for policy and practice. The following papers are included: "Learning for Life: New Ideas, New…

This textbook is designed to introduce undergraduates to the scientific study of aging in adults. Among the topics covered in the book's 15 chapters are: approaches to the study of adult development and aging (research methodology and related issues, a life-span perspective, ethical issues); theories in the study of adult development (models of…