Reviewed research with the Twenty Questions Task aimed at investigating problem solving across the life span. Research indicates use of an efficient problem-solving strategy increases during childhood and then decreases again during the later adult years. Elderly adults' performance was facilitated when the necessity of using an efficient strategy…

Asked older individuals (N=24) questions regarding which of their cognitive abilities have changed with age. Subjects' reports about memory corresponded with previous research, i.e., memory decreases with increasing age. For problem-solving abilities, subjects' reports did not correspond with research, i.e., abilities increased with age. Factors…

Examines several possible difficulties in interpreting the results of studies which employ Piagetian tasks, especially conservation tasks, with older individuals. Notes that Piaget's clinical method allows more flexibility in the assessment of competence than do more quantifiable techniques. Examines the possibility of task misinterpretation by…