What are some common findings regarding intellectual changes in adults? How are these

findings influenced by our choice of developmental design, as well as individual differences in
adult health and activity?

What will be an ideal response?

Research outcomes of adult intellect widely vary depending on the choice of
developmental design. Research using cross-sectional methods has documented that
intellectual abilities decline more rapidly after midlife than research using short-term
longitudinal and sequential designs. Most studies indicate when decline occurs, it
occurs more rapidly for fluid than crystallized abilities. There are also individual
differences in the rate of decline, better educated people, adults that lead active and
healthy lifestyles, and adults married to intelligent spouses show slower rates of decline
than adults that do not possess these attributes.