Which type of intelligence increases linearly with age?

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Master UCF's DEP2004 Developmental Psychology Exam 4. Access flashcards and multiple-choice questions with explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam today!

Crystallized intelligence refers to the accumulation of knowledge, facts, and skills that are acquired through experience and education over time. This type of intelligence tends to increase as individuals age because it is based on the information and experiences that people gather throughout their lives. As they encounter various situations, learn from interactions, and absorb cultural knowledge, their overall reservoir of information grows, resulting in higher performance in tasks that require this type of intelligence.

In contrast, fluid intelligence, which involves the ability to solve novel problems and think abstractly, typically begins to decline in early adulthood. Emotional intelligence and practical intelligence can both show variability with age, but they do not necessarily exhibit a consistent linear increase like crystallized intelligence does. Emotional intelligence depends on various factors, including personal experiences and social contexts, while practical intelligence is often linked to specific situational awareness and context. Thus, crystallized intelligence is the clear choice for the type of intelligence that exhibits a linear increase with age.