Factors of mental rigidity related to the ability to adapt to decimal currency

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine the relationships between 'rigidity', particularly as shown by older people, and the ability to adapt to Decimal Currency. The first part of this thesis discusses the age changes with respect to rigidity and flexibility which have been found in previous experimental work. Because of the slowing of central neural processes and because of the less efficient use of stimulus redundancy there is a lowering of the levels of complexity which can be dealt with effectively. These changes result in a decline in the ability to deal logically with new stimuli and therefore a decrease in practical adaptability. People will also be more rigid at any age if they are less proficient at the cognitive and perceptual abstract manipulation of information. Thirdly, rigidity may be due to attitudes and personality e.g. living to a routine, rejecting new ideas and adhering to the conventional way of doing things. The tests chosen for measuring rigidity and Decimal adaptation were administered to an adult subject sample. The results showed that logical reasoning was the most important factor in adaptation. Peelings of insecurity and resistence to change were important personality factors. Age itself was not an effective variable, and older people were only less adaptable if they were less able on abstract intelligence or higher on the rigidity measures.