fluid intelligence
Quick Summary
Fluid intelligence, a concept in psychology, refers to the ability to think abstractly and solve novel problems. It is measured by tests that minimize the influence of learned knowledge. This type of intelligence tends to decline from adolescence through middle age.1
In contrast, crystallized intelligence is enhanced through learning and cultural knowledge, and it increases over the same age range. When both fluid and crystallized intelligence are considered, age-related differences in overall cognition become less pronounced. While some cognitive functions like processing speed and fluid intelligence may decrease with age, others like memory for general knowledge and crystallized intelligence can remain stable or even improve.1
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