Question

Anushka, age 45, has been a pharmaceuticals salesperson for most of her career. Although she is an expert in her field, Anushka was more quick-witted and successful in making sales twenty years ago. With that in mind, she has decided to take on a new role as regional manager. What cognitive changes help explain this age-related shift in Anushka's career?

A. Increased processing speed
B. Enhanced working memory
C. Accumulated knowledge and experience
D. Improved fluid intelligence

Answer 1

Anushka's move from sales to management aligns with her accumulated knowledge and experience, as crystallized intelligence remains steady or improves with age, as opposed to fluid intelligence which declines.

Step-by-step explanation:

Anushka's career shift from a pharmaceutical salesperson to a regional manager is better explained by C. Accumulated knowledge and experience. This is because, as we age, our crystallized intelligence, which encompasses the skills and knowledge we've gained over time, tends to remain stable or improve. However, we do begin to see a decline in fluid intelligence, such as information processing abilities and memory, which can impede the quick-wittedness required in sales roles. Therefore, the cognitive changes that best explain this age-related shift in Anushka's career are her accumulated knowledge and experiences over the years, allowing for expertise in her field and a new role that leverages this strength.