Read the following scenario. Based on the description, identify two broad cognitive abilities that the student is likely experiencing challenges with, and briefly explain your reasoning for each.

Identifying Cognitive Abilities in a Learning Scenario

Fluid intelligence encompasses the ability to perceive complex relationships and solve problems. It is essential for tackling complex, abstract challenges in daily life, such as navigating an unfamiliar route after being detoured.

Fluid Intelligence

Short-term memory (STM) serves as a temporary storage system that processes incoming information from sensory memory. It is capable of retaining a limited amount of data for a brief duration of 15 to 30 seconds. While in this active state, short-term memory can also integrate new sensory input with existing knowledge retrieved from long-term memory. Although often confused with working memory, short-term memory is more accurately classified as a distinct sub-component within the broader working memory framework.

Short-term Memory (STM)

The ability to respond quickly and accurately when performing relatively simple perceptual, motor or cognitive tasks 

Speed of processing

Positioned at the middle level of the CHC hierarchy, broad abilities represent general cognitive functions. Examples of these abilities include fluid reasoning, short-term memory, and processing speed.

Google

The CHC theory organizes cognitive skills into three tiers: general intelligence at the top, broad abilities in the middle, and narrow abilities at the bottom. Although only the narrow abilities are directly measurable, they are integrated within the higher-level abilities.

Hierarchical Structure of CHC Theory

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Broad Abilities in CHC Theory

Narrow abilities form the bottom and most specific level of the CHC hierarchy. These distinct cognitive skills are the only ones that can be measured directly. For example, the broad ability of short-term memory is composed of narrow abilities like memory span and working memory capacity.

Learn Before

Related

Learn After