In developmental psychology, cognitive ________ declines in old age, whereas cognitive ________ appears to improve. Which pair of terms correctly completes this statement?

• A. wisdom; memory
• B. attention; processing speed
• C. processing speed; wisdom
• D. memory; attention

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key cognitive functions involved in aging: 'processing speed' refers to how quickly the brain can process information, and 'wisdom' refers to accumulated knowledge and experience.
2. Recall that research in developmental psychology shows that certain cognitive abilities decline with age, particularly those requiring quick mental operations, such as processing speed.
3. Recognize that other cognitive abilities, like wisdom, which involve knowledge gained over a lifetime, tend to improve or remain stable as people age.
4. Match the terms to the statement: cognitive 'processing speed' declines in old age, whereas cognitive 'wisdom' appears to improve.
5. Confirm that the correct pair completing the statement is 'processing speed; wisdom'.