Which statement best describes a trend in social cognition as people age?

Which statement best describes a trend in social cognition as people age?

• A. They become more self-centered
• B. They see rules as absolute
• C. They avoid questioning authority
• D. They increasingly question authority

Answer: (D)

Social cognition covers how we think about people, social norms, and authority. As people age, experiences and repeated exposure to varied situations build a capacity to evaluate rules and directives more carefully, weighing evidence and context before accepting them. That tends to show up as a greater willingness to question authority, using reasoning to decide when rules apply or when they should be adjusted to fit a real-world situation. The other ideas don’t fit this pattern: aging isn’t typically associated with becoming more self-centered, rules aren’t usually seen as absolute by older adults, and avoiding questioning authority runs counter to the observed rise in autonomy and critical thinking with age.

Social cognition covers how we think about people, social norms, and authority. As people age, experiences and repeated exposure to varied situations build a capacity to evaluate rules and directives more carefully, weighing evidence and context before accepting them. That tends to show up as a greater willingness to question authority, using reasoning to decide when rules apply or when they should be adjusted to fit a real-world situation. The other ideas don’t fit this pattern: aging isn’t typically associated with becoming more self-centered, rules aren’t usually seen as absolute by older adults, and avoiding questioning authority runs counter to the observed rise in autonomy and critical thinking with age.