Final answer:
Schaie would say that life events and experiences affect changes in intellectual functioning in adulthood, as environmental factors and individual experiences are key in shaping cognitive abilities, supported by the Range of Reaction theory and empirical research.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the options provided, Schaie would suggest that life events and experiences affect changes in intellectual functioning in adulthood. Schaie's perspective acknowledges that the environment and individual experiences play significant roles in shaping intellectual abilities throughout a person's life, particularly in relation to epigenetics and socialization. Environmental influences can provide both stability and change necessary for the development and manifestation of cognitive abilities.
Schaie's approach aligns with the Range of Reaction theory, which posits that genetic potential is fixed, yet the realization of that potential is highly dependent on environmental factors. This perspective is supported by research demonstrating that both extremities of environmental stimulation—optimal and pathological—can influence the intellectual outcomes and creative capacities of individuals. Consequently, rich stimulation in the early environment, as well as supportive family conditions, tend to benefit the intelligence levels and overall intellectual development of individuals.