| Abstract: | An important reaction to individuals involved in problem solving is that of knowing the accuracy of their responses. Prior research has established that young adults are accurate in estimating correctness to responses on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS). The present study extended these findings to the elderly and also considered whether ability‐extraneous variables (e.g., fatigue) influence either accuracy in judging correctness or IQ score. The WAIS was administered to 44 community‐dwelling elderly citizens in a counterbalanced manner to control for motivational influences. The examinee's IQs and estimations of correctness were measured. Materials included standard WAIS protocols and forms on which the examinees wrote a plus (+) or minus (—) after each response, indicating feelings of correctness as +, or of an incorrect answer as —. Results show that older examinees are highly accurate in their feelings of correctness. Analyses of variance and covariance indicated order of presentation significantly influences accuracy in reporting correctness. While IQ score was not affected by order of presentation, mean performance IQ score was significantly lower than mean verbal IQ score. Findings suggest that older persons seem uncomfortable with ambiguity and seem to possess an unrealistic fear of failure. Persons involved in educating the elderly should strive to assist in the reevaluation of unattainable goals. By having more realistic goals and early successes in a program, the older learner can reduce unpleasant emotional states and is more likely to remain in a program. |
