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Human Development · Chapter 12

Fluid vs. Crystallized Intelligence

Psychologists Raymond Cattell and John Horn split intelligence in two. Fluid intelligence is raw problem-solving power — reasoning, speed, and working memory. Crystallized intelligence is everything you've learned — vocabulary, facts, and expertise. They age in opposite directions. Drag the age slider to watch the trade-off unfold.

Two kinds of intelligence across the lifespan

Fluid (Gf) — reasoning & speed Crystallized (Gc) — knowledge
Fluid intelligence (Gf)—
Crystallized intelligence (Gc)—
Middle adulthoodage 45
AGE45
2080