Cognitive Development #2

Question 1

3 Factor Model of Ageing

Answer 1

1) Speed of Information Processing
2) WM capacity
3) Attention/concentration

Question 2

Salthouse (1996) Processing Speed Theory

Answer 2

All age-related decline can be attributed to a global mechanism- speed of processing. Speed of processing is related to white matter integrity in the brain

Question 3

West (1996) Prefrontal Executive Theory

Answer 3

Local structural and functional change in frontal cortex lead to decline in executive abilities

Question 4

3 Issues affecting cognitive testing in older adults

Answer 4

1) Heterogeneity/variability (more different as we age)
2) Testing biases (cultures. norms etc)
3) Complicating individual factors (medication, fatigue, illness)

Question 5

4 Methods of Reducing Assessment Bias

Answer 5

1) Quality of written material
2) Quality of voice
3) Aids (hearing, glasses)
4) Rest periods