Cognitive Development in Adulthood: A Cultural Perspective

QUESTION

Cognitive abilities develop and change during adulthood. Maturation is the biological scheme that drives the evolution of cognitive abilities (Arnett, & Jensen, 2019). We all have a genotype script within us that gets us ready to make explicit changes at equivocal times in our life. (Arnett, & Jensen, 2019). It is like trying to teach a 1-year-old things that only a 4-year-old does. It cannot be done, but the biological process of maturation will make a four-year-old see life in a certain way and no instructions are needed (Arnett, & Jensen, 2019).

Some studies have been done in countries outside of the Western Cultures on intelligence. These undeveloped countries have different views about what intelligence means (Arnett, & Jensen, 2019). Robert Sternberg has a triarchic theory of intelligence, his views are in a study with findings of a wide variety of the meaning of intelligence. He also argues that problem solving in everyday life is a part of having intelligence (Arnett, & Jensen, 2019). For example, Chinese adult intelligence encompasses humility, self-knowledge, and freedom from judgment. In African cultures the regular concept of intelligence involves skills that nurture group harmony and social responsibilities (Arnett, & Jensen, 2019). In Zambia the quality of intelligence incorporates cooperation and being an obedient person (Arnett, & Jensen, 2019). In Kenya the adults see family and social involvement as one of the main meanings of intelligence (Arnett, & Jensen, 2019). The word ngware is used to describe intelligence in Zimbabwe and it means to be sensible and aware especially in social relations. The common meaning of intelligence in Asian and African cultures comprises social and cognitive elements (Arnett, & Jensen, 2019). Elena Grigorenko did her research by talking to adults and elders in the Yup’ik culture about knowledge required for affairs faced in everyday life (Arnett, & Jensen, 2019). She also did a study on Adolescents using a regular IQ test. Her research included adolescents, adults, and elders. Her findings showed which of the young people would be picked by elders for having valuable Yup’ik intelligence qualities (Arnett, & Jensen, 2019).

An example of a person I know is a 27-year-old whose intelligence level has soared much more recently. In early adulthood ages 20-24 she made decisions about family and social situations that were not good. Her evolution of biological maturation was beginning to expand, and it continued to evolve and now at the age of 27 she is making much better life decisions for the situations she is experiencing in her everyday life (Arnett, & Jensen, 2019).

Arnett, J. J., & Jensen, L. A. (2019). Human development: A cultural approach (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

ANSWER

 Cognitive Development in Adulthood: A Cultural Perspective

Introduction

Cognitive abilities undergo significant changes and development throughout adulthood, driven by the biological process of maturation. As depicted in Arnett and Jensen’s (2019) cultural approach to human development, individuals possess a genotype script that prepares them for explicit changes at specific points in their lives. This essay explores the impact of maturation on cognitive abilities during adulthood, considering cultural variations in the perception of intelligence and problem-solving.

Maturation and Cognitive Development

Maturation, a biological scheme, plays a vital role in the evolution of cognitive abilities during adulthood. As individuals age, their cognitive capacities expand and develop naturally without requiring explicit instruction. Similar to how a four-year-old naturally perceives life in a certain way, cognitive maturation allows adults to gain new perspectives and insights as they progress through different life stages.

Cross-Cultural Views on Intelligence

Studies in countries outside of Western cultures have revealed diverse views on the concept of intelligence. Robert Sternberg’s triarchic theory of intelligence emphasizes problem-solving in everyday life as a component of intelligence. However, different cultures define intelligence uniquely based on their societal values and norms.

In Chinese culture, intelligence encompasses humility, self-knowledge, and freedom from judgment.
African cultures view intelligence as skills that promote group harmony and social responsibilities.
Zambia’s concept of intelligence includes cooperation and obedience.
In Kenya, intelligence is associated with family and social involvement.
In Zimbabwe, the term “ngware” describes intelligence as being sensible and socially aware.

 Cultural Perspectives on Intelligence

Elena Grigorenko’s research among the Yup’ik culture explored the knowledge required to navigate everyday life affairs. Her findings highlighted the valuable Yup’ik intelligence qualities identified by elders in adolescents, adults, and elders. This research demonstrated the influence of cultural values and social elements on the perception of intelligence.

 Personal Example

An individual I know experienced a significant increase in intelligence during her adulthood. In her early twenties, she made decisions regarding family and social situations that were not favorable. However, as her biological maturation continued to evolve, she began making better life decisions at the age of 27. This example exemplifies how cognitive abilities develop and improve over time, influenced by maturation.

Conclusion

Cognitive development in adulthood is a complex process influenced by biological maturation and cultural perspectives. As individuals age, their cognitive capacities expand naturally, and they gain new insights and problem-solving abilities. Cultural values significantly impact the perception of intelligence, leading to diverse views on what constitutes intelligence in different societies. Researchers like Elena Grigorenko shed light on the significance of cultural context in understanding intelligence. Recognizing the interplay of biological maturation and cultural influences is essential for comprehending the diverse ways in which individuals navigate and interpret the world around them.

 

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