Using the concept of wisdom to enhance the expression of wisdom knowledge: not the philosopher's dream but differential effects of developmental preparedness

Psychol Aging. 2006 Dec;21(4):679-90. doi: 10.1037/0882-7974.21.4.679.

Abstract

In this study, the authors explored whether wisdom-related performance could be enhanced by an instruction referring to the abstract concept of wisdom ("try to give a wise response"). The authors used three levels of activation of the concept of wisdom as well as intelligence-activation and control conditions in a heterogeneous sample of three age groups (N = 318). Results showed no general effect of the wisdom-concept instructions but did show an aptitude (resource) treatment interaction: Participants high in preparedness resources associated with wisdom exhibited some gains, whereas the performance of resource-low participants actually declined after the instruction. Implications and consequences with respect to ways of enhancing the expression of wisdom-related knowledge are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Achievement*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aging*
  • Attitude*
  • Cognition*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Knowledge*
  • Life Change Events*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Social Support
  • Surveys and Questionnaires