Question 24

Older adults' problem-solving ability declines as the nervous system slows with advanced age.

Processing-speed theory indicates that as individuals age, the efficiency of their nervous system decreases, leading to a decline in their ability to process information effectively.

A) As the nervous system improves with advanced age, adults' ability to process information improves.

This option is incorrect because it contradicts the processing-speed theory. Research shows that the nervous system does not improve with age; rather, it typically slows down, adversely affecting information processing capabilities.

B) As the nervous system slows with advanced age, adults' ability to process information improves.

This option is also incorrect. While it acknowledges the slowing of the nervous system with age, it falsely states that this results in improved information processing, which is not supported by evidence in the field of cognitive aging.

C) As the nervous system slows with advanced age, adults' ability to process information declines.

This option accurately reflects the core principle of processing-speed theory, which posits that a slower nervous system leads to diminished problem-solving abilities and overall cognitive processing in older adults.

D) As the nervous system improves with advanced age, adults' ability to process information declines.

This statement is incorrect, as it incorrectly suggests that there is an improvement in the nervous system with age. The decline in cognitive processing abilities is due to the slowing of the nervous system, not its improvement.

Conclusion

Option C is definitively correct as it aligns with the established understanding of how aging affects cognitive functions, particularly information processing. All other options either misrepresent the relationship between age and cognitive processing or present contradictory information that does not conform to the processing-speed theory.