Interindividual Differences in Learning Performance: The Effects of Age,Intelligence, and Strategic Task Approach

ABSTRACT

The present study investigated fluid and crystallized intelligence as well as strategic task approaches as potential sources of age-related differences in adult learning performance. Therefore, 45 young and 45 old adults were asked to learn pictured objects. Overall, young participants outperformed old participants in this learning test. However, more than 2/3 of the interindividual variability in learning performance was explained by interindividual differences in fluid intelligence and strategic task approach, with age not being a reliable predictor. Results indicate that personal resources and task approach influence learning performance directly and independently.