Final answer:
The assertion that cognitive ability only matters in complex jobs is false. All jobs benefit from cognitive abilities such as processing information and problem-solving efficiently, extending from complex tasks like designing a highway to simpler tasks such as cleaning hallways.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Cognitive ability only matters in complex jobs' is false. While it might seem that certain jobs like cleaning hallways or answering phones do not require a high level of skill, cognitive abilities are important to all job performances in various ways. Cognitive psychologists define intelligence broadly to include different aspects such as short-term memory and processing speed, which are beneficial across a wide range of jobs. Davis and Moore's perspective that the degree of skill dictates job importance suggests that although some jobs may not require advanced cognitive abilities, all jobs benefit from a worker's ability to process information and solve problems efficiently, regardless of the task's perceived complexity.
Moreover, the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) theory of cognitive abilities indicates a hierarchy from general intelligence to specific abilities. Even for tasks that appear simple, specific narrow abilities can have a significant impact on performance. Additionally, the selection process for many positions, which often includes tests designed to measure cognitive ability, demonstrates the value of such abilities across various professions.