Gender Differences and Changes in Cognitive Abilities Across the Adult Life Span

Abstract Gender differences in the covariance structure and latent means of cognitive abilities across the adult life span are explored. A multiply marked, six-factor measurement model examining 982 participants from the Seattle Longitudinal Study tested gender and longitudinal invariance over 7 years. Substantive invariance tests on the factor correlations were also examined. Longitudinal results for the entire sample indicated the best fit was a partial invariance solution supporting time and gender invariance. Individual analyses showed younger and middle age groups to be metrically invariant for all factor loadings as well as time and gender invariance of factor variances and intercorrelations. A metric model also fit best for the older group, although factor variances and intercorrelations only demonstrated gender invariance. Latent mean structures revealed gender differences with women outperforming men for Verbal Recall, and in younger and middle age groups Perceptual Speed, whereas men consistently outperformed women for Spatial Orientation. Results demonstrate gender equivalence in covariance structures across the adult life span and within separate age groups, and reveal gender differences and changes over 7 years in cognitive abilities at the latent mean level.