Questions: Question 16 5 pts Longitudinal studies of intelligence reveal that - intellectual functioning improves between the ages of 25 and 45 - intellectual processing shows a very gradual but always increasing trend until death - intelligence declines steadily from age 18 to 50 - intelligence test scores begin to decline for most people starting after their mid-30s

The answer is the last one: intelligence test scores begin to decline for most people starting after their mid-30s.

Explanation for each option:

1. Intellectual functioning improves between the ages of 25 and 45: This statement is partially true, as some aspects of intelligence, such as crystallized intelligence, can improve with age due to accumulated knowledge and experience. However, it does not capture the overall trend observed in longitudinal studies, which often show a decline in certain types of intelligence as people age.

2. Intellectual processing shows a very gradual but always increasing trend until death: This is incorrect. While some aspects of intelligence, like vocabulary and general knowledge, may remain stable or even improve, other aspects, particularly fluid intelligence (problem-solving and processing speed), tend to decline with age.

3. Intelligence declines steadily from age 18 to 50: This is not accurate. Intelligence does not typically decline steadily from age 18. Many cognitive abilities remain stable or even improve into the 30s and 40s, with declines often starting later.

4. Intelligence test scores begin to decline for most people starting after their mid-30s: This is the most accurate statement. Longitudinal studies often show that while some cognitive abilities remain stable or improve, others, particularly those related to processing speed and problem-solving, begin to decline in the mid-30s to 40s.

In summary, longitudinal studies of intelligence generally indicate that while some cognitive abilities may remain stable or improve, others begin to decline after the mid-30s.