A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What effect does increased age have on children’s likelihood of task success, as suggested by Wood et al.?

1. Decreased likelihood of success

2. No effect on success

3. Increased likelihood of task success

4. Success is dependent on external factors

The correct answer is: Increased likelihood of task success

The assertion that increased age correlates with an increased likelihood of task success is supported by research conducted by Wood et al. This research suggests that as children age, they tend to develop better cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, and social understanding, which contribute positively to their performance on various tasks. Older children benefit from accumulated knowledge and experience, allowing them to approach tasks with more effective strategies and greater persistence. They also tend to have better emotional regulation and an enhanced ability to focus and concentrate, which are crucial for task completion. Therefore, the relationship noted in Wood et al.’s work illustrates the developmental trajectory of children, where advanced age is associated with higher levels of task success due to these cognitive and emotional advancements. In contrast, outcomes suggesting a decreased likelihood of success or no effect would not align with the established trends in child development studies, which consistently indicate that maturation enhances task performance. Similarly, attributing success solely to external factors would overlook the intrinsic growth and capacity improvements that come with age.