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Which demographic is typically associated with better working memory capacity?

  1. Older adults

  2. Children aged 2-5 years

  3. Adolescents

  4. Middle-aged adults

The correct answer is: Adolescents

Adolescents are typically associated with better working memory capacity due to the developmental trends observed in cognitive abilities. During adolescence, individuals undergo significant brain development, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for executive functions, including working memory. This period is marked by improvements in various cognitive tasks that require active manipulation and management of information. In contrast, older adults might experience declines in working memory capacity as a result of age-related cognitive changes. Children aged 2-5 years usually demonstrate limited working memory capabilities due to their developing cognitive systems. Middle-aged adults generally maintain good cognitive function and working memory, but they may not perform as well as adolescents who are at the peak of their cognitive development. Thus, adolescents show stronger working memory performance compared to the other demographics listed, which aligns with the understanding of cognitive development across the lifespan.