Simple verbal analogical reasoning and its predictors in old age

Abstract

Analogical reasoning - the ability to find a relation between two objects is often recognized as a core of cognition. This article presents two studies focused on the effect of aging on analogical reasoning, and potential mechanisms that explain individual differences between the performances of elderly adults in analogy tasks. In Study 1, the authors examined age-related differences in reasoning based on simple verbal analogical relations, A:B:: C:D type. Elderly participants (N = 25, M_age = 73.12) obtained significantly lower results than younger adults (N = 25, M_age = 21.12). In Study 2, authors concentrated on individual differences between elderly people (N = 95, M_age = 71.39) in the same type of analogical reasoning. Regression analysis confirmed the role of processing speed and age, but not of inhibitory control, working memory and education, as predictors of analogical reasoning in old age. Results of both studies are discussed in relation to the conclusions drawn from current research in the field of analogical reasoning.

Keywords: Analogical reasoning; aging; inhibitory control; processing speed; working memory.