Final answer:
Crystallized intelligence, which includes accumulated knowledge and skills, remains stable or increases during adulthood. Problem-solving, which relates to crystallized intelligence, might also stay stable or improve since it often relies on one's accumulated knowledge. Fluid intelligence, however, including aspects like memory and attention, is more likely to decline in late adulthood.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impact of Aging on Intellectual Abilities
Dr. Myers and Dr. Samberg are likely to find through their research that certain intellectual abilities such as crystallized intelligence can increase or remain stable well into adulthood. Crystallized intelligence reflects the accumulation of knowledge, facts, and skills that are acquired throughout life. It incorporates elements like vocabulary, general knowledge, and the application of practical skills and strategies, and tends to hold steady or even improve with age. Research has shown that adults demonstrate relatively stable or increasing scores on intelligence tests evaluating this domain of intelligence well into their mid-50s.
In contrast, fluid intelligence, which encompasses the ability to solve new problems, use logic in new situations, and identify patterns, tends to decline in late adulthood. As part of fluid intelligence, problem-solving abilities and attention are more likely to undergo such decline. The ongoing mental and physical activities appear to be beneficial in delaying the onset of cognitive decline, hence potentially preserving cognitive faculties for longer periods.
Based on presented information, the intellectual ability that increases over adulthood is not memory (1), creativity (2), or attention (4). Therefore, it would be reasonable to suggest that problem-solving (3) connected to crystallized intelligence may improve or remain steady over adulthood, particularly when considering complex problems drawing upon accumulated knowledge and expertise.