Differentiation of cognitive abilities across the life span.

ABSTRACT: Existing representations of cognitive ability structure are exclusively based on linear patterns of interrelations. However, a number of developmental and cognitive theories predict that abilities are differentially related across ages (age differentiation-dedifferentiation) and across levels of functioning (ability differentiation). Nonlinear factor analytic models were applied to multivariate cognitive ability data from 6,273 individuals, ages 4 to 101 years, who were selected to be nationally representative of the U.S. population. Results consistently supported ability differentiation but were less clear with respect to age differentiation-dedifferentiation. Little evidence for age modification of ability differentiation was found. These findings are particularly informative about the n

SUBMITTER: Tucker-Drob EM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2855504 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature