Fluid vs. crystallized intelligence with aging
Which ability is most likely to remain stable or improve between ages 30 and 70?
Answer B: explanation for every choice
A
Processing speed begins declining in early adulthood.
B
Correct. Vocabulary is crystallized intelligence, accumulated knowledge that stays stable or grows into late adulthood.
C
Working memory capacity declines with age.
D
Solving novel problems is fluid intelligence, which peaks in early adulthood and then declines.
TakeawayFluid (reasoning, speed) declines with age. Crystallized (knowledge) holds.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID ps16.