The study investigated activation of change processes in the cognitive capacity of 71 institutionalized adults with mental retardation (IQ = 40-69), in 3 age groups (20-29, 30-39, 40+). The central instruments were the Comparison, Categorization, Spatial Orientation, and Temporal Relations sections of the Instrumental Enrichment program, designed to enhance cognitive and motivational function in low-functioning populations. In addition, subjects were taught to use a pocket calculator. An achievement test series was administered twice before the intervention and twice afterwards. The intervention indeed significantly enhanced the subjects' cognitive functioning. These results support Structural Cognitive Modifiability (SCM) theory's position that individual change is always possible, regardless of age and cognitive functioning levels.
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